David Moyes described Thierno Barry's form as 'fabulous' after the forward scored twice in Everton's 3-1 win over Coventry City on Friday night. The victory was Everton's third in eight days at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton fell behind early in the second half when Yann Gboho scored his first goal for the Sky Blues in only his second league appearance. Barry responded to level the match, then put the Blues ahead with his second goal - his tenth of the season - just after the hour mark. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sealed the win nine minutes from time.
Moyes jokes about Haaland rivalry
After the match, Moyes was in a light-hearted mood when asked about Barry's form.
"Fabulous," the Scot replied. "I just mentioned it then Haaland's worried about him catching him!"
Moyes also reflected on the decision to sign the young forward, describing it as a calculated risk.
"I have to say it is great for the boy because being a young centre-forward coming to the Premier League if you look at a lot of the money being paid for big centre-forwards we have paid enough for him, but we took a bit of a gamble on him and went early on him," he said.
Record-equalling night for Moyes
"I don't see many young centre-forwards scoring loads of goals in the Premier League. He's come in and he's settled down a bit more. His language, his understanding and his communication is much better as well. Obviously he's working hard to get in those positions to score."
The win was also significant for Moyes personally, as he equalled Harry Catterick's record for Everton matches managed. He acknowledged the performance was not at its best but was pleased with the comeback.
"The win was the perfect way to [mark the Catterick record], but the performance wasn't as good as it's been, but sometimes you have to take it that way. We went a goal behind and came back well, so I'm pleased with that," he said.
