Why Thierno Barry’s Goal Wasn’t Ruled Out in Man City’s Draw With Everton
- Thierno Barry’s controversial goal stood after VAR ruled a defensive mistake by Marc Guéhi changed the phase of play against Manchester City
- The decision came during a dramatic Premier League clash that saw Arsenal maintain a four-point lead over the Citizens in the title race
- Despite goals from Erling Haaland and Jérémy Doku, City were held to a 3-3 draw after Everton struck twice more to secure a point from the tie
The reason why Thierno Barry’s offside goal against Manchester City was allowed to stand has been explained after a controversial decision in their 3-3 draw with Everton.
On Monday night, May 4, 2026, Manchester City travelled to the Hill Dickinson Stadium to face Everton in a match that could prove crucial in the Premier League title race.
Source: Getty Images
After a dominant win over Fulham on Saturday, May 2, Arsenal held a six-point lead over City before the game, although Pep Guardiola’s side still had two matches in hand.
The Citizens looked in control in the beginning of the game, with a brilliant strike from Jérémy Doku giving them a 1-0 lead before half-time.
However, the match took a dramatic turn when Everton substitute Barry appeared to have equalised with a goal that was immediately ruled out for offside.
Why Thierno Barry's 'offside' goal stood
After a VAR review, it was disclosed that, despite Barry being clearly offside, the goal would stand due to an official interpretation of the laws of the game.
Moments before the finish, City defender Marc Guéhi made a poor clearance attempt, effectively passing the ball straight to the Everton striker.
The Athletic reported that the mistake proved decisive, as officials ruled the ball had not come from a deliberate pass to Barry from a teammate, but instead from Guéhi’s error, meaning the offside phase was reset, and the goal was awarded.
Barry was initially in an offside position when the ball was played, but Guéhi’s controlled touch and miscue changed the situation, allowing the attacker to be considered onside in the phase of play.
Meanwhile, the official Premier League match centre cleared up any lingering controversy by issuing an explanation on why Barry's goal was allowed to stand. They wrote on X:
"The referee’s call of goal for Everton was checked and confirmed by VAR - with it deemed that there was no offside offence as Guehi deliberately played the ball."
Everton hold Man City to crucial draw
The controversial decision clearly unsettled City, as Everton struck again just five minutes later through defender Jake O’Brien to make it 2-1, before Barry added his second goal in the 81st minute.
According to Sky Sports, Erling Haaland and Doku pulled two goals back, but it was not enough, as Everton held on for a 3-3 draw that could seriously damage City’s hopes of reclaiming the title.
Source: Getty Images
Thierno Barry pulls off Kakalika dance
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Thierno Barry had added a Ghanaian touch to a dramatic Premier League clash after celebrating his goal against Manchester City with the viral Kakalika dance.
The 23-year-old came off the bench and made an immediate impact at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, helping Everton fight back in an entertaining 3-3 draw that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
After his goal was confirmed, Barry turned to the crowd and pulled off the now-famous Kakalika dance celebration, sending fans into a frenzy as the Toffees helped Arsenal close in on the title.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
