Theo Walcott delivers high praise for Everton signing who was ‘fantastic’ vs Fulham
Theo Walcott has lauded Thierno Barry for his role in Everton’s victory over Fulham at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday.
Everton beat Fulham 2-0 on 8 November, with goals from Idrissa Gueye and Michael Keane handing David Moyes‘ side a big three points in the Premier League.
The Toffees dominated proceedings, scoring two goals that were ruled out by the offside flag before the Senegal international opened the scoring.
Vitalii Mykolenko was praised for his role in Gueye’s goal, with the left-back delivering a superb cross in the build-up.
Tim Iroegbunam registered an assist for Everton’s opener against Fulham, despite appearing to have been shooting for goal himself.
Thierno Barry was ‘fantastic’
Barry missed a brilliant chance for his first Everton goal in the draw against Sunderland on Monday, but Moyes chose to keep the striker in the starting line-up against Fulham.
And the Scot was rewarded for his faith, with the 22-year-old putting in what was arguably his best performance for the Toffees since arriving in the summer.
| Thierno Barry | Vs Fulham (H) |
| Minutes played | 79 |
| Shots | 2 |
| Big chances missed | 1 |
| Successful dribbles | 2 |
| Duels won | 6/13 |
| Was fouled | 1 |
The Frenchman was a constant thorn in the Fulham defence’s side, and would have had his first goal had he not been caught narrowly offside.
Speaking on BBC Match of the Day on Saturday, former Everton forward Walcott said: “I think all the Everton fans ask for is energy and hunger, and willingness not to give up. He scored 11 goals in La Liga, and that’s the thing you’re going to be judging, of course.
“He’s a player today who just felt like he didn’t give up, he could shy away from things, and just the luck’s not on his side at this moment in time.
“But look, I think it’s important when you come from a different culture and different league to settle in quickly, and I think the fans at Everton will really play a big part in that, so I think it’s a big ask for them. But look, fantastic today.”
David Moyes backs Barry after defining performance
After several games in which Moyes has swapped his strikers at half-time, or early in the second half, the Scot’s decision to keep Barry on until the 79th minute felt like a show of faith.
The Frenchman’s name was met by a standing ovation from the Everton faithful when he came off, a moment that looked to mean a lot for the young striker.
Speaking after the game, Moyes said: “I thought the crowd were brilliant for Barry today, but I think he gave them something to shout about and believe in and was rightly applauded coming off.”
After so much debate about Everton’s striking options over the past two months, the solution may well have been staring Moyes in the face all along.
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