Thierno Barry was 'swatted like a fly' in Everton loss vs Arsenal

Martin Keown believes Thierno Barry had a rough night at the office in Everton's loss to Arsenal on Saturday.

The Toffees lost 2-0 to the defending Premier League champions at the Emirates Stadium at the weekend, but had their own chances to change the game.

Ezri Konsa opened the scoring early on for the hosts after poor defending by the Blues from a corner, which asked questions of Jordan Pickford and others.

David Moyes will have known the direction the match was heading in after Gabriel powered home the Gunners' second in the second 45.

That's consecutive Premier League defeats for the Toffees, who now have to pick themselves up, with two important games against Newcastle United next up.

However, could Barry have made more of an impact for Everton against Arsenal?

Martin Keown reveals how 'emphatic' Arsenal star shut down Thierno Barry

Barry has six goals to his name already this season, which is a promising start considering he's the only number nine that Everton have.

Moyes needs the Frenchman fit and firing, though he's now gone two games without a goal.

The 24-year-old had a big chance to put his side back on level terms just before the break, but put his shot straight down David Raya's throat.

Speaking on the BBC's Match of the Day, Keown revealed how Arsenal's Gabriel gave Barry a tough time during the match.

Keown said: "Gabriel had a battle with Barry, which he enjoys. He was swatted like a fly throughout the whole match.

"They needed him again because, look, it's Barry, who can cause problems and can be dangerous, but you have to deal with him. He [Gabriel] was emphatic with everything he did."

Keown looked at several instances in the match where Barry was either trying to get past Gabriel or got on the end of a cross, but it was the Arsenal man who had most of the success.

The centre-back won all but one of his ground duels, while Barry lost six of his own.

Stat reveal proves Barry can bounce back after Arsenal loss

Barry keeps on getting chances in nearly every match, which is a good sign.

The striker doesn't always get the best support, but his constant movement and ability make him a constant nightmare for opposing defenders to deal with.

Everton face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup on Thursday, followed by a Premier League clash against the Magpies just days after.

Mathias Jaissle's side have conceded 12.1 xG, the 16th-worst in the Premier League for this statistic, meaning Barry and Everton could soon have a field day.

So long as the forward is fit for the game, he is bound to get chances against the Magpies.