David Moyes has a significant issue that threatens to undermine his work at Everton: the lack of goals from his £27m striker Thierno Barry. The 23-year-old Frenchman, signed from Villarreal, has now played 464 minutes of Premier League football without scoring, without an assist, and without a single shot on target.
Barry's struggles were highlighted in Everton's heavy defeat to Newcastle United, where a VAR-disallowed goal summed up his luck. Moyes praised his effort but admitted the team needs a striker with more threat if the season is to develop into a positive one.
The Toffees’ defence, usually reliable under Moyes, had a major off-day. Jake O'Brien said they were flat from the start and left themselves open, while Moyes refused to blame the absence of Idrissa Gueye, who is suspended after slapping Michael Keane in the win over Manchester United.
Moyes conceded Newcastle were the better team: 'They got off to a great start... They were much better than us, much more experienced. We were beaten by the better team, there is no doubt about that.'
