Barry's Promise To Evertonians After Netting Villa Winner

Thierno Barry believes Everton's ability to "play with heart" in difficult moments is a significant strength, while outlining his aim of adding more goals to repay love shown to him by supporters.

The Blues continued their fine away record with a superb 1-0 win over Aston Villa, who were on an 11-game winning run on home soil in the Premier League, on Sunday – despite missing a host of Senior Team players through either AFCON participation, injury or suspension.

Only top-of-the-table Arsenal (six) have won more away games in the league this season than Everton (five), and, since David Moyes’ first away league game back in charge of the Club in January 2025, the Toffees’ 10 top-flight wins on the road is the joint-most of any side, along with the Gunners.

Barry's 59th-minute strike against Villa, an exquisite chip over Argentina international Emi Martinez, represented the striker's fourth goal in his past seven Premier League starts.

Speaking to evertontv afterwards, Barry said: "I saw Martinez coming out fast and I said in my head, 'Okay, I need to try the chip', and it went in, so it makes me very happy.

"It's the first time [I've scored a winner] this season. I'm very happy to score again, I'm always preparing to score and for it to give us the win, I'm very happy.

"I think it's an important moment. The week before we didn't do good, so we wanted to give an answer, a good answer, to that performance.

"We played with heart – and that's why we won."

The 3,000 travelling Evertonians sang Barry's name in celebration after the final whistle at Villa Park.

And the Frenchman says it meant a lot, having been left disappointed after missing a penalty in a shootout defeat to Sunderland in the FA Cup the previous weekend.

"I think [the fans singing my name] is a good thing for me," said Barry. "The last game I didn't score my penalty and I felt very bad for this because it's only the second-ever penalty I've missed in my career. 

"When I came today, in my head, I knew I had to play well for the fans. I played for them, and I'm very happy to score, which helps put the previous game in the past.

"I don't know about the statistics but always when I go to the pitch, I'm wanting to score goals."