Paul Merson stunned by Thierno Barry flashpoint in Everton loss vs Arsenal - 'It's a shocker'

Paul Merson was eager for Thierno Barry to succeed in Everton's loss to Arsenal on Saturday.

The Toffees walked away from north London with nothing to show for it after suffering a 2-0 defeat in the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta's side took the lead through Ezri Konsa, as the Gunners scored their first set-piece goal of the Premier League season.

Gabriel got the hosts' second, which meant that David Moyes' side have now suffered consecutive losses in the Premier League.

However, the Toffees had chances of their own, particularly while the score was still only at 1-0.

Barry arguably had Everton's best chance of the contest, and Merson thought that the striker should have done better with it.

Paul Merson reacts to 'shocker' after Thierno Barry miss

Barry is well-known for getting on the end of plenty of chances, just like he is known for missing them, too.

The 24-year-old continues to frustrate despite his obvious potential and good start to the season, coming close to drawing the Blues level in the 44th minute.

Ben White attempted to head a long ball back to goalkeeper David Raya, but his pass back was short, allowing Barry to nip in and have an attempt on goal.

While speaking live on Sky Sports' Gillette Soccer Saturday, Merson reacted to the incident, which had him on the edge of his seat.

"It's a shocker. Barry's there; he goes first time, and Raya makes a good save. Got to take a touch, maybe go round Raya; he's in no man's land.

"Big, big opportunity; White gets away with it, bad finish by Barry. People might say good save Raya; I'm not sure. I think bad miss."

Barry's opportunity racked up an xG of 0.32 and was one of Everton's two big chances against the Gunners.

Is Barry statistically overperforming or underachieving in front of goal?

Barry has six goals to his name this season, with an assist that also came on his hat-trick performance against Preston North End in the Carabao Cup.

The Frenchman has six goal involvements in 10 games in all competitions, which looks impressive on paper.

But should he have more goals to his name?

Well, Barry has played eight Premier League games, and after netting three times in the top flight so far this season, he's still underachieving by 2.10xG.

The number nine has missed several big chances and needs to get back to his goal-scoring ways sooner rather than later.