Thierno Barry proved to be the decisive factor as Everton comfortably advanced to the third round of the Carabao Cup, cruising to a 4-0 triumph over Preston North End at Deepdale. The French forward not only found the back of the net three times, but also provided the assist for his teammates, showcasing a clinical edge that has already seen him net eight goals in just 41 appearances this season. Remarkably, after scoring his first goal of the campaign in a Premier League victory over Crystal Palace, Barry is already halfway to matching his season tally despite having played 38 fewer matches than his usual tally would suggest.
Everton, who have not progressed beyond the third round since the 2023/24 season, will now face Wolverhampton Wanderers in the next stage of the competition. The Toffees displayed a dominant performance from the opening whistle, controlling possession and creating a flurry of chances against a Preston side that has already suffered two defeats in two Championship fixtures. While many of Preston's opportunities were of limited quality, Everton's relentless pressure was evident throughout both halves.
The breakthrough came on the 10th attempt when Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall floated a ball into the left flank, releasing Vitalii Mykolenko. Mykolenko’s precise pass found Barry in space, allowing the striker to slot a tidy finish past the goalkeeper. This early goal set the tone for the match, and although there was an expectation that the floodgates might open, Everton’s disciplined defending kept the scoreline respectable for the remainder of the first half. The second half saw Preston trying to regroup, but Barry’s second goal, scored just before the hour mark, effectively dampened any hopes of a comeback.
His simple, well‑timed finish completed his hat‑trick and, with 20 minutes still to play, essentially sealed Everton’s passage to the next round. The Welsh forward Brennan Johnson, who joined Everton from Crystal Palace earlier in the month, added a further touch of brilliance by netting his first goal since November 2025, extending the lead to 4-0 and giving the home crowd plenty to celebrate. Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom expressed his frustration in a post‑match interview on Sky Sports Football. He lamented the timing of the second goal, saying it came just as his substitutes were about to be introduced, which changed the momentum of the game.
Heckingbottom highlighted the difficulty of maintaining clean sheets against higher‑quality opposition and admitted that the lack of attacking options on the bench limited his ability to relieve pressure on his defenders. He emphasized the need for more offensive changes to keep opponents on the back foot, a challenge he acknowledges as a current problem for the club. Everton’s manager David Moyes praised his side’s performance, noting that the match turned out to be more comfortable than he had anticipated. He commended the team’s overall play, while also pointing out that the first half could have been finished off more efficiently.
Moyes was particularly pleased with the four‑goal haul, describing it as a "really good result" for Everton. Speaking about Barry, Moyes recalled a conversation from the end of the previous season, reminding the striker that he needed to improve significantly.
He stressed the importance of centre‑forwards delivering goals and acknowledged the challenges faced by newcomers to the Premier League. Moyes praised Barry’s attitude and development, attributing his progress to the coaching staff’s guidance.
Moyes also addressed Brennan Johnson’s performance, noting that the club hopes to rediscover the form the Welshman displayed during his time at Tottenham, where he was a prolific scorer. He highlighted Johnson’s assist and finish in the match as evidence that he is beginning to find his rhythm again.
While Moyes cautioned against rushing Johnson back into a regular starting role, he expressed optimism about his contributions moving forward. Overall, Everton’s comprehensive victory not only secured their progression in the Carabao Cup but also provided a platform for individual players to build confidence. Barry’s hat‑trick will undoubtedly boost his standing within the squad, while Johnson’s return to goal-scoring form offers a promising sign for the club’s attacking options.
As the Toffees prepare for a challenging encounter with Wolves, the momentum generated from this dominant display could prove pivotal in their pursuit of cup success.