David Moyes Hails Thierno Barry’s Impact in Everton’s 2–0 Victory over Fulham

Everton manager David Moyes has praised striker Thierno Barry for his strong performance in the 2–0 Premier League win over Fulham, despite the 23-year-old not getting on the scoresheet.

Goals from Idrissa Gueye and Michael Keane sealed the win for the Toffees, who also had three efforts ruled out for offside in what could have been a more comfortable afternoon at Goodison Park.

Barry, who missed a clear chance in the defeat to Sunderland on Monday, was making consecutive league starts for the first time since his £27 million move from Villarreal. The French forward responded with one of his most assured displays in an Everton shirt, earning a standing ovation when he was replaced by Beto late in the second half.

“I think it’s great credit because all the Evertonians know both players are looking for confidence and support,” Moyes said after the match.
“The crowd were brilliant for Barry today — but he gave them something to shout about, to believe in, and he was rightly applauded coming off.”

The Everton boss emphasised the importance of maintaining belief in his strikers.

“We need those boys to keep their confidence up, and when you’re not scoring as a centre-forward it’s not an easy thing to do,” he added.
“Sometimes people don’t take us seriously when we say it takes time to adjust. Thierno has to get used to the physicality of being a centre-forward in the Premier League.
“If he was scoring, you wouldn’t think about it — but when he isn’t, he needs to contribute in other ways. I thought he worked his socks off, ran hard, was committed, and did a very good job for the team today.”

Moyes Praises Keane’s Professionalism

Moyes also commended Michael Keane, who has stepped into the starting line-up following an injury to Jarrad Branthwaite.

“He has been brilliant — a great professional,” said the Scotsman. “You’re not coming away from a game questioning Michael Keane. He’s done amazing, and hopefully he continues that form.”

Silva Admits Fulham ‘Deserved to Lose’

Fulham boss Marco Silva conceded that his side fully deserved to be beaten, as they slumped to a fifth consecutive away defeat in the league.

“A disappointing result for us — more than the result, a disappointing performance,” Silva said. “We got what we deserved. We only really played for about 20 minutes in the whole game.
“We lost the match in terms of physicality. We didn’t handle Everton’s strength — you could see that in all their chances, even the disallowed goals, which came from second balls and set pieces.
“You can lose a match because your opponent is better than you, but not because you fail to match their physicality.”

Silva also confirmed that forward Rodrigo Muniz, who was substituted shortly after coming on in the second half, may have sustained a hamstring injury.

“He felt something in the hamstring area and it doesn’t look good for us,” the Portuguese manager added.