Thierno Barry scored again on Monday night as Everton earned what the BBC called a deserved Premier League win at St James' Park. It was his second goal against Newcastle in five days.
The 24-year-old now has eight goals in 12 games this season. Last season he needed 41 appearances to reach the same total. According to the BBC, only Erling Haaland, with 13, has scored more among Premier League players in all competitions this season.
Everton paid £27m to sign Barry from Villarreal last summer. Since Beto's transfer to Fiorentina, he has been the club's only recognised senior striker. The BBC said that makes him indispensable to the Toffees for now.
His start on Merseyside was rough. He had just one shot in his first 16 Everton games. Last month he posted a video of himself breaking down during a private training session last season. On Monday he celebrated his goal with a knee slide and some dance moves.
Barry told Sky Sports that he worked hard over the summer and that the results now show. He said the season is long, but he is happy to help the team with his goals. He added that he wants to enjoy this season more than the last one.
The goal was controversial. Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle told BBC Sport there was "a clear foul on Fabian Schar" in the build-up. The finish itself was a tap-in from two yards, with an xG of 0.995.
Barry still faces criticism for missing chances. On Monday he was through on goal after a flick-on from Jarrad Branthwaite but scuffed his shot. Former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports that Barry misses chances but keeps scoring this season. Manager David Moyes said he was thrilled Barry is scoring, because a centre-forward needs to score. He admitted Barry has missed a few, but said he was in the right spot on Monday.