Thierno Barry was once again on target against Newcastle United as Everton secured a narrow Premier League victory at St James’ Park on Monday night.
The striker scored the decisive goal in the 49th minute after Tyrique George broke into the penalty area unmarked and fired a low effort that slipped underneath Newcastle goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek. Barry was on hand to tap the ball into an empty net.
The goal marked Barry’s eighth in 12 appearances across all competitions this season, following his strike in Everton’s 3-1 Carabao Cup victory over Newcastle on Thursday.
Newcastle’s difficult evening took another turn in the 98th minute when midfielder Jacob Ramsey was sent off after receiving two yellow cards within 84 seconds. His second booking came after he caught Harrison Armstrong above the ankle.
Everton dominated much of the rainy encounter and nearly doubled their advantage through Jarrad Branthwaite, whose second-half header was comfortably dealt with by the Newcastle goalkeeper.
The visitors also appealed for a late penalty after Fabian Schar appeared to make contact with Barry while attempting to clear the ball inside the box. However, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) upheld referee John Brooks’ decision not to award a spot-kick.
Newcastle’s clearest opportunity to equalise came in the 66th minute when Anthony Elanga connected with Harvey Barnes’ cross, but his powerful effort struck the post after Jordan Pickford got a touch on the ball before it rolled dangerously close to the goal line.
Pickford was again called into action in the 90th minute, producing an important save with his feet to deny substitute Yoane Wissa’s low effort.
Despite Newcastle’s late attempts to find an equaliser, Everton held on to secure their first Premier League victory since September, with Barry’s goal proving the difference between both sides.
