Quick Read
- Thierno Barry had a goal ruled out by VAR for handball in Everton’s 4-1 defeat to Newcastle.
- Barry has played 15 matches for Everton this season but remains goalless.
- Everton manager David Moyes praised Barry’s recent performance and urged patience.
- Barry joined Everton from Villarreal for £27 million in the summer of 2025.
VAR Denies Barry His Everton Moment
Thierno Barry’s debut season at Everton has unfolded like a drama—one with plenty of hope, setbacks, and a lingering question: When will the club’s new number nine finally break his scoring duck? The latest chapter in this saga came during Everton’s 4-1 defeat to Newcastle United, where Barry, just 23 and signed from Villarreal for £27 million, thought he’d finally netted his first goal for the Toffees. But fate, and the Video Assistant Referee, had other plans.
As reported by Liverpool Echo, Barry’s moment came just after Malick Thiaw put Newcastle 4-0 up. Barry misjudged a cross, and in the scramble, the ball grazed his forearm before landing kindly at his feet inside the six-yard box. With a swift strike, he sent the ball past Aaron Ramsdale and wheeled away in celebration—relief and joy etched on his face. Yet, the celebration was short-lived. The VAR team, led by Darren England and Craig Taylor, reviewed the play at Stockley Park. Their verdict: accidental handball. Referee Craig Pawson announced the decision at Hill Dickinson Stadium, cancelling Barry’s goal and awarding Newcastle a free kick.
On social media, the Premier League Match Centre relayed the decision: “#EVENEW – 65’ VAR OVERTURN After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of goal to Everton.” It was a bitter pill for Barry, who was visibly devastated and later replaced by Beto.
Barry’s Scoring Drought: Pressure Mounts
Barry’s struggle in front of goal has become a talking point among pundits and fans alike. According to NBC Sports, the Newcastle match was emblematic of Barry’s difficulties adapting to the Premier League. Despite featuring 15 times for Everton across all competitions in the 2025/26 season, he remains goalless. The pressure is palpable—Everton’s number nine shirt carries a legacy, and supporters are eager for Barry to step up.
The scrutiny isn’t just about numbers. Football is emotional, and the weight of expectation can be both a motivator and a burden. For Barry, every near-miss and disallowed goal adds to the sense of urgency. As Everton prepares to face Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, the question looms: can Barry finally break his duck?
Coach and Fans Rally Behind Barry
Despite the setbacks, Barry’s work ethic and attitude have earned him the backing of Everton’s manager, David Moyes, and the club’s faithful. Earlier this month, following Everton’s 2-0 win over Fulham, Moyes singled out Barry’s performance for praise. Speaking to Everton TV, Moyes said, “I thought Thierno had his best game for us. We need him to keep stepping up all the time, we need him to up his ante all the time. There’s a great history of number nines at Everton Football Club and it’s not an easy thing to follow when you go back through time.”
Moyes acknowledged the challenge Barry faces, following in the footsteps of legendary strikers. He also highlighted the support Barry receives from the crowd: “He’ll get more confidence from his performance, he’ll get great confidence from the support he had from the crowd. It was a great, great way to see him because everybody knows we want him to do well. And he performed well, he really did.”
This support is crucial. For any player struggling to find form, the difference between isolation and solidarity can be transformative. Everton’s fans, known for their passionate backing, have continued to cheer Barry on, hoping his persistence will pay off.
The Challenge of Adapting to the Premier League
Barry’s situation is not unique; many strikers who arrive in England with impressive records elsewhere find the Premier League a tough proving ground. The physicality, pace, and relentless scrutiny of English football can test even the most talented forwards. For Barry, who arrived from Spain’s La Liga, the adjustment has been steep.
Pundits have debated his suitability for the league, with some, like those on NBC Sports, suggesting Barry is “not a Premier League striker” based on his current form. But football is full of late bloomers and unexpected turnarounds. While his goal drought is frustrating, Barry’s performances have shown glimpses of promise—movement, hold-up play, and flashes of skill that hint at untapped potential.
In matches where he hasn’t scored, Barry has contributed in other ways: pressing defenders, creating space, and linking up play. These contributions are often overlooked in the shadow of goal tallies but are vital for team dynamics.
Looking Ahead: Can Barry Turn the Tide?
The upcoming clash with Bournemouth presents another chance for Barry to end his barren spell. The narrative around him is shifting—from frustration to hope, from criticism to encouragement. For Everton, a club searching for stability and goals, Barry’s breakthrough could serve as a catalyst for the team’s broader ambitions.
As the season progresses, Barry’s story will be one to watch. Will the support from Moyes and the fans be enough to lift him? Can he channel the disappointment of the VAR decision into motivation? The Premier League is unforgiving, but it also rewards resilience. Barry has shown he’s willing to fight for his place, and with each match, the possibility of redemption remains alive.
Thierno Barry’s journey at Everton encapsulates the highs and lows of professional football: talent, expectation, adversity, and hope. While his scoring drought and the recent VAR controversy have cast doubts, the unwavering support from coach and fans signals belief in his potential. Barry’s story reminds us that football is rarely a straight line—it’s the struggle and the comeback that define a player’s legacy.