As bad as Barry: Moyes must drop Everton star who won just 30% duels
Everton left it late but secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon thanks to Jack Grealish’s stoppage-time strike.
The win ended Palace’s remarkable 19-match unbeaten run, dating back to April, and kept momentum building under David Moyes.
However, while the result lifted the Toffees into eighth place on 11 points, the performance was far from convincing, with two summer signings failing to impose themselves on the game.
For long stretches, Everton were second best, trailing at the break after Daniel Muñoz’s first-half finish.
David Moyes’ side lacked tempo and fluency in possession, forcing the manager into half-time changes.
The introduction of Carlos Alcaraz and Beto injected fresh energy, but it was Grealish who ultimately delivered the decisive blow, scoring in the 93rd minute to cap off a memorable turnaround.
Everton can take confidence from their resilience, but questions remain over two new faces who were hauled off at the interval.
Barry’s subdued performance against Palace
Much was expected of Thierno Barry following his £27.6m summer move from Villarreal.
The France U21 international had impressed in Spain, scoring 11 goals and supplying four assists last season.
At 6 foot 5, his aerial dominance stood out. Barry’s physical profile drew comparisons to Dušan Vlahović and Ollie Watkins, offering Everton a forward capable of stretching defences and leading the line.
But against Palace, those strengths were nowhere to be seen.
Barry touched the ball just 19 times, completed only four of his eight passes, and failed to register a shot.
His attempts to dribble past opponents – two in total – both ended unsuccessfully, while he surrendered possession ten times.
Barry vs Crystal Palace
Minutes
45
Shots
0
Passing Accuracy
50%
Ground Duels Lost
4
Possession Lost
10
Source: Sofascore
Substituted at half-time for Beto, it was a sobering reminder that he will need time to adapt to the physicality and tempo of the Premier League.
Moyes himself has acknowledged Barry will require a bedding-in period, but with expectations high and Everton looking to sustain their push for Europe, patience may wear thin if his output doesn’t improve soon.
Everton star was as bad as Barry
While Barry’s struggles were evident, he was not the only Everton player to falter.
Tyler Dibling, the club’s marquee £42m summer signing from Southampton, also endured a frustrating evening.
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Much was expected of the 19-year-old England U21 international, who arrived after interest from Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham, and Bayern Munich.
Everton had pursued him for months, and his signing was viewed as a statement of intent.
Dibling’s pedigree is clear. Last season, he made 33 Premier League appearances for Southampton, scoring twice and assisting once across 1,874 minutes.
His statistical profile stood out – ranking in the 92nd percentile for fouls drawn (2.49 per 90), 98th percentile for penalty kicks won (0.10 per 90), and 81st percentile for successful take-ons (2.16 per 90).
He also impressed defensively, sitting in the 88th percentile for tackles in the middle third (0.86 per 90) and 98th percentile for percentage of dribblers tackled (61.5%).
In short, he is a winger capable of carrying the ball and working hard out of possession.
But his Palace display told a different story. Dibling managed only 19 touches and completed six of his seven passes. He attempted three dribbles without success, lost possession eight times, won 30% of his duels and failed to register a single shot.
Withdrawn for Alcaraz at the break, it was a day to forget for a teenager still adjusting to his new surroundings.
Everton’s investment in Dibling reflected a determination to strengthen the right-hand side following the departures of Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrøm.
Moyes wants a winger who can combine industry with end product, and Dibling has the tools to be that player.
But against Palace, he struggled to impact the game in either half of the pitch.
With matches against Manchester City and a packed festive schedule looming, Everton will need more from their high-profile recruit or he can expect to find himself dropped to the bench again.
The raw talent is undeniable, but his first few weeks in blue have shown that even the most promising prospects can take time to settle.
Elsewhere, Palace may point to fatigue following their midweek Europa League trip to Dynamo Kyiv, but Everton will be encouraged by their fighting spirit.
Grealish’s winner showed the difference a match-winner can make – a lesson both Barry and Dibling will be eager to learn as they adapt to life under Moyes.
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Everton ended Crystal Palace’s 19-game unbeaten run with a 2-1 win.
ByEthan Lamb Oct 5, 2025