BARRY BREAKS SILENCE AFTER HAT-TRICK — HIS MESSAGE TO EVERTON FANS
Thierno Barry has broken his silence after scoring the first hat-trick of his Everton career, and the striker’s message has struck a chord with supporters following a dominant 4-0 Carabao Cup victory over Preston North End.
The France under-21 international was the star of the night at Deepdale, scoring three times and providing the assist for Brennan Johnson’s first goal in an Everton shirt. The result sent David Moyes’ side comfortably into the third round and offered further evidence that Barry is beginning to find his feet in English football after a challenging first season.
Speaking afterwards, Barry made his ambitions clear.
“I say this season needs to be mine,” he said. “I try a lot this summer for that so I’m very happy to score my first hat-trick with Everton. I work a lot for that, I’m very happy, my team-mates helped me a lot also.”
The words were simple but purposeful. After managing eight goals across a difficult debut campaign in which he often struggled to adapt to the physicality and intensity of the Premier League, Barry has already scored four times in the opening two matches of the new season. His header against Crystal Palace at the weekend was followed by a clinical treble against Preston, underlining a clear shift in confidence and sharpness.
Barry’s first goal arrived in the 25th minute when he converted from close range after good work down the left. His second, just before the hour, came from a rebound after Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s shot was saved. The hat-trick was completed in the 70th minute with a tap-in from Brennan Johnson’s cross, before Barry returned the favour with a perfectly weighted pass that allowed the substitute to score Everton’s fourth.
The performance was greeted warmly by the travelling Everton supporters, who serenaded the striker as he left the pitch with the match ball. For a player who faced questions about his future at various points last season, the night represented a significant personal landmark.
Manager David Moyes was pleased with the contribution but characteristically demanded more. The Everton boss noted that Barry had worked on his mindset over the summer and shown a better attitude, while still pointing out missed opportunities that he expects the forward to take in future.
For Everton fans, Barry’s post-match message carried extra weight. The declaration that “this season needs to be mine” suggests a player determined to prove himself after a tough introduction to life on Merseyside. The hard work he referenced during the summer appears to be paying off, and the early goals have given supporters reason for optimism that the club finally has a centre-forward capable of leading the line with consistency.
The hat-trick also provided a timely boost for Moyes on his competitive return to Preston, the club where he began his managerial career. The comfortable nature of the victory, combined with Barry’s clinical finishing and Johnson’s first contribution, offered encouragement as Everton continue their early-season programme.
Barry’s journey at the club has not been straightforward. Adjusting to a new country, a new league and the expectations that come with a significant transfer can take time, particularly for a young striker. The early signs this season suggest that period of adaptation may be giving way to something more productive.
His message to the fans was one of determination and gratitude to his teammates. In a results-driven environment, those words will be judged against future performances. For one night at least, Thierno Barry delivered on the pitch and then backed it up with a clear statement of intent off it.
Everton supporters will hope this is only the beginning.
