Thierno Barry’s goal in Everton’s 2-0 opening-day Premier League win over Crystal Palace strengthened the case that he can become the dependable centre-forward the club have sought. The 23-year-old headed in Iliman Ndiaye’s cross early in the second half, sealing a victory that contrasts sharply with the doubts surrounding him during a lengthy scoreless spell last season.

Everton signed Barry from Villarreal for £27m after an 11-goal La Liga campaign, accepting that the developing striker would need time amid the club’s financial constraints and recent instability. He initially scored once in 18 league appearances, but finished his debut season with eight goals in 38 games; his 8.1 expected-goals figure and 21.1% conversion rate indicated efficient finishing. Manager David Moyes praised both Barry’s positioning and Ndiaye’s cross, while cautioning against overreacting to one performance.