Thierno Barry leads Premier League for missed big chances

Thierno Barry has missed more clear-cut chances than any other Premier League player this season, according to data from Football Insider, with the Everton forward having failed to convert 10 opportunities.

That figure is twice as many as the players immediately behind him in the standings. Five players share second place after missing five clear chances each: Erling Haaland of Manchester City, Bryan Mbeumo of Manchester United, Dan Ndoye of Nottingham Forest, Igor Thiago of Brentford and Gonzalo Garcia of Fulham.

Barry has therefore missed as many clear opportunities as two of those players combined, giving him a significant lead in an unwanted statistical category.

Chances created can explain the numbers

The statistic does not necessarily point to a lack of finishing ability. Players who regularly arrive in scoring positions are naturally more likely to miss chances, simply because they are presented with more of them.

That applies to Haaland, who is frequently involved in opportunities in and around the penalty area. His presence on the list is not viewed as a major concern because of the volume of chances he creates and receives.

The same reasoning can be applied to Mbeumo, Ndoye, Igor Thiago and Gonzalo Garcia. All are attacking players who often find themselves in positions from which they can score. Missing chances is, in part, a consequence of consistently playing on the front foot.

Barry’s total is nevertheless more significant for Everton. The club does not create opportunities as frequently as Manchester City, meaning every wasted opening can have a greater impact. A missed one-on-one or a poorly struck attempt can be the difference between gaining a point and leaving empty-handed.

There is also an encouraging aspect to the statistic. Barry is repeatedly appearing in the right areas and reaching the positions where goals are usually scored. A player cannot miss 10 clear chances without first being in a position to have them.

Finishing can be improved through practice, while an instinct for movement and positioning is more difficult to develop. Barry’s presence near goal suggests the foundations are already there, even if the final touch has not been reliable enough.

Everton face Chelsea next

The next question is when the breakthrough will come. Forwards who continue to find numerous scoring opportunities will often eventually see their efforts rewarded, and a run of missed chances can quickly be followed by a run of goals.

If Barry retains the unwanted lead for missed chances, he will hope his goals tally soon begins to move in the opposite direction. His challenge is to turn an embarrassing statistic into a temporary setback.

Everton will play their seventh-round English league match against Chelsea shortly. The betting company 1xbet lists Everton at 3.15 to win, a draw at 3.75 and a Chelsea victory at 2.12.