Thierno Barry proved the difference a clinical striker can make, netting three times and providing the assist for the fourth as Everton comfortably advanced to the third round of the Carabao Cup with a 4‑0 triumph at Deepdale against Preston North End. The French forward, who has already found the back of the net eight times in 41 appearances this season, added another three goals in just 38 fewer matches than the previous campaign, putting him well on his way to matching his earlier tally. Everton, who have not progressed beyond the third round since the 2023/24 season, will now meet Wolverhampton Wanderers in the next stage of the competition. The Toffees entered the match with a clear intention to dominate, and they did so from the first whistle, controlling possession and creating chances at a rapid pace.
Preston, who have already lost two of their opening two fixtures in the Sky Bet Championship, were on the back foot for most of the game, although many of the opportunities they generated were of limited quality. The breakthrough came on the tenth attempt when Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall floated a ball into the left‑hand side of the penalty area. Vitalii Mykolenko arrived first, laying the ball off to Barry, who calmly slotted it home with a tidy finish. The goal sparked a brief moment of optimism among the Preston supporters, who sensed that the floodgates might open.
However, the visitors kept their composure and, after the interval, Barry struck again just before the hour‑mark, further diminishing any hopes of a comeback. Barry’s second strike was a well‑timed run into the box followed by a simple, low‑driven finish that left the goalkeeper with no chance.
The Frenchman’s hat‑trick was completed shortly thereafter when he tapped in a cross‑field pass, sealing Everton’s victory with roughly twenty minutes remaining on the clock. The final goal of the match was added by the newly signed Welsh forward Brennan Johnson, who had joined from Crystal Palace earlier in the month.
Johnson’s finish marked his first goal since November 2025 and capped a comprehensive win for the home side. Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom expressed his frustration in a post‑match interview on Sky Sports Football. He lamented that the team had been poised to make a substitution when the second goal arrived, saying the timing "changed the game" and that the subsequent goals were disappointing. Heckingbottom acknowledged the quality of the opposition and highlighted the lack of attacking options on his bench, noting that the squad consisted largely of defenders, a few midfielders, wing‑backs and several young players.
He stressed the need for more offensive depth to relieve pressure on the back line. Everton boss David Moyes was more upbeat, describing the performance as "a little more comfortable than I expected" and praising the four‑goal haul. Moyes felt the team played well at times and produced good football, but he also admitted that the first half could have been finished off more efficiently.
He was pleased with the attacking output and the overall result. When asked about Barry’s development, Moyes explained that he had told the striker at the end of the previous season that he needed to improve dramatically. He emphasized the importance of centre‑forwards scoring goals and noted that adapting to the Premier League in a debut season is challenging for any forward. Moyes praised Barry’s attitude and the work of the coaching staff, saying the player has learned a great deal and is showing a much better mindset.
Regarding Johnson, Moyes said the coaching staff are trying to rediscover the form the Welshman displayed while at Tottenham, where he was a prolific scorer. He highlighted Johnson’s assist and finish in the match as evidence of his potential, adding that while they do not want to rush his development, his performance tonight was encouraging.
The win not only secures Everton’s place in the next round of the Carabao Cup but also provides a platform for the team to build momentum in the league. With a potent attacking trio now firing on all cylinders, Everton fans can look forward to a challenging yet exciting fixture against Wolves. The match also gave a glimpse of how Barry’s goal‑scoring instincts and Johnson’s resurgence could shape the club’s fortunes as the season progresses.
In summary, Everton’s dominant display, highlighted by Barry’s hat‑trick and Johnson’s contribution, underscored their intent to compete on multiple fronts. Preston’s manager acknowledged the need for tactical adjustments and squad depth, while Moyes expressed confidence in his forwards’ development and the team’s overall trajectory. The Toffees now turn their attention to the upcoming clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers, hoping to continue their cup run and add another victory to their campaign.