Thierno Barry proved decisive as Everton cruised into the third round of the Carabao Cup, overwhelming Preston North End with a convincing 4-0 victory at Deepdale. The French forward not only found the back of the net three times but also supplied the assist for his fourth goal, showcasing a clinical finishing display that left the hosts with little chance of recovery.
Barry's impact this season has been noteworthy. In the 2025/26 campaign he has already tallied eight goals in just 41 appearances, a strike rate that would have taken him the full season to achieve under normal circumstances. Remarkably, he reached the halfway point of that total after playing 38 fewer matches, underscoring his efficiency in front of goal. His first goal of the current season came in Everton's Premier League win over Crystal Palace, and the hat‑trick against Preston pushed his tally even higher, signalling that he is quickly becoming a focal point of the Toffees' attack.
Everton, who have not progressed beyond the third round of the competition since the 2023/24 season, now face Wolverhampton Wanderers in the next stage. The win not only restores confidence but also offers a chance to test their mettle against a Premier League side with a reputation for physical play and tactical discipline.
From the kickoff, Everton asserted dominance. Their passing was crisp, and they kept the ball in the final third, creating a steady stream of opportunities.
Preston, who have slipped to the bottom of the Sky Bet Championship after losing both of their opening fixtures, struggled to generate quality chances of their own. While they did manage a few early forays, most of their attempts were half‑chances that lacked the precision required to threaten Everton's defence.
The breakthrough arrived on the tenth attack. Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall floated a ball into the left‑hand side of the penalty area, where Vitalii Mykolenko collected it and quickly laid it off to Barry.
The striker timed his run perfectly, met the pass with composure and slotted the ball home with a tidy finish. That goal opened the floodgates, but Everton did not become reckless; instead they maintained their structure, allowing the second half to begin with Preston still hoping to turn the tide.
Barry struck again just before the hour‑mark, doubling Everton's lead and effectively dashing any hopes of a comeback. His second goal was a simple, well‑placed finish that left the goalkeeper with no chance. The momentum was now firmly in Everton's favour, and the final 20 minutes saw the home side add a fourth goal through recent signing Brennan Johnson. Johnson, who joined from Crystal Palace earlier in the month, celebrated his first goal since November 2025.
The Welsh forward's contribution was two‑fold: he provided an assist for Barry's hat‑trick and later finished a move that capped the scoring spree. His goal not only reinforced the team's attacking depth but also highlighted the successful integration of new signings into David Moyes' system.
Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom expressed his frustration in a post‑match interview with Sky Sports Football. He lamented how a substitution plan was disrupted by Everton's second goal, noting that the timing of the strike altered the dynamics of the game. Heckingbottom also acknowledged the quality of the opposition, stating that defending against a top‑flight side makes it difficult to keep a clean sheet, especially when his own squad lacks attacking options on the bench.
He emphasized the need for more offensive players to relieve pressure on his defenders, a tactical shortfall that contributed to the heavy defeat. Everton boss David Moyes reflected on the performance, describing it as more comfortable than anticipated. He praised his team's overall play, while also pointing out that the first half could have been finished more efficiently. Moyes highlighted the importance of the four‑goal haul, saying it demonstrated the squad's ability to convert chances and maintain composure in cup competitions.
Moyes also spoke about Barry's development, recalling a conversation at the end of the previous season where he urged the striker to improve his output. He noted that adapting to the Premier League as a centre‑forward is challenging, but Barry's attitude and work ethic have impressed the coaching staff. Moyes credited the support staff for helping the young forward grow, emphasizing that continued guidance will be crucial for his future success. Regarding Johnson, Moyes remarked that the club is keen to rediscover the form the player displayed during his time at Tottenham, where he was a prolific scorer.
He praised Johnson's assist and finish in the cup match, suggesting that his performance hinted at a return to that earlier level. Moyes cautioned against rushing the youngster back into the starting lineup, preferring a measured approach to ensure his development remains steady. The match also featured a reminder for viewers to use Chrome for an optimal video experience, and a promotional note about watching Premier League highlights for free.
Additionally, a Sky Sports app advertisement encouraged fans to stream games, while a Super 6 promotion offered a chance to win £1 million. In summary, Everton's 4‑0 triumph over Preston was anchored by Thierno Barry's hat‑trick and a supportive display from the entire squad. The victory not only secures progression in the Carabao Cup but also provides a platform for the team to build momentum ahead of their upcoming clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers. The performances of Barry and Johnson suggest a promising future for the Toffees' attacking options, while Preston must regroup and address their defensive vulnerabilities if they hope to bounce back in the Championship.