adminThierno Barry handed brutal Everton ultimatum despite first goal as Beto given fresh hope
Everton forward Thierno Barry claimed the spotlight on Saturday after finally breaking his goal drought in the side’s 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest — and deservedly so.
Before his well-timed strike on the brink of half-time, the Frenchman had gone 17 matches without scoring for the Toffees, drawing criticism for his lack of accuracy in front of goal.
His composed finish at the Hill Dickinson Stadium should now give him a much-needed confidence boost as he looks to cement a regular starting role after weeks of tireless displays.
However, despite Barry’s long-awaited breakthrough, David Moyes has cautioned that his spot in the lineup is far from secure.
The Everton boss revealed that Beto has been impressive in training and remains a genuine contender to lead the attack.
Moyes warns Barry: one goal won’t guarantee your place
Moyes made it clear that Barry is still expected to deliver consistently and will not be given another lengthy spell without scoring.
The Scot stressed that unless the 23-year-old starts finding the net more regularly, he could easily be replaced — potentially by Beto.
Speaking after the win over Forest, Moyes said:
“He [Barry] can’t go another six games and only score one goal.
He’s been given an opportunity, but Beto is beginning to show more. Barry will need to keep performing.
“At the start of the season, we were rotating them after an hour because we needed a goal and neither was scoring. We gave Thierno a run to adjust to the Premier League, but we’re hoping Beto hits form too — we need goals from both.
“It’s huge for him, and it was coming. But as a centre-forward, you have to score, otherwise we will find someone who will.”
It’s a dose of tough love designed to keep Barry grounded after a difficult start to the campaign — and potentially push him to kick on.
Everton duo must respond to Moyes’ challenge
Despite sitting fifth in the Premier League, Everton’s strikers have only managed two league goals between them, a glaring issue for a side with European ambitions.
Iliman Ndiaye, Michael Keane and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall have carried the bulk of the goal threat so far.
With a more clinical No. 9, the Toffees may well have turned draws against Aston Villa and West Ham into wins and nicked a point at Leeds — a swing that would leave them just four points off leaders Arsenal.
Aside from an unexpected defeat to Newcastle, Everton have kept four clean sheets in their last five matches. If the goals start to flow, they could mount a serious push for Europe.
Barry and Beto have both been handed a platform to prove themselves, and Moyes may yet find a way to play them together.
If either — or both — can rise to the challenge, Everton fans might soon be dusting off their passports for next season.
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