Barry matches last season’s tally in 12 games as Everton beat Newcastle

Thierno Barry has matched his entire goal tally from last season in just 12 games, scoring in Everton’s Premier League win at Newcastle on Monday as the striker’s difficult start at the club gave way to a strong run of form.

The 24-year-old has scored eight goals in all competitions this season, having needed 41 appearances to reach the same total last term. Only Erling Haaland has scored more among Premier League players in all competitions, with 13, according to BBC Sport.

Barry scored against Newcastle for the second time in five days, helping Everton secure what BBC Sport described as a deserved victory at St James’ Park. His goal, a close-range finish, came after an earlier chance in which he scuffed his shot when through on goal.

The forward joined Everton from Villarreal last summer for £27m. He had just one shot across his first 16 Everton games, and last season’s struggles included a training-session video in which he broke down in tears. He has spoken about how difficult the transition to a new club and country was in an earlier interview.

Barry told Sky Sports he had worked hard over the summer and was happy to help the team with his goals. Everton manager David Moyes said Barry had missed chances but had kept going and scored; he said the club was “thrilled” to see the striker getting goals.

Barry’s goal was disputed. Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle told BBC Sport there had been “a clear foul on Fabian Schär” in the build-up. The BBC report also noted Barry’s importance to Everton’s attacking chances: before Monday’s match, he had been involved in 15 of the club’s 24 recorded big chances in the Premier League.