Barry hat-trick propels Everton past Preston into Carabao Cup third round
Thierno Barry’s three goals and an assist secured a 4-0 victory for David Moyes’s side, signaling a sharp uptick in the French striker’s form and boosting Everton’s momentum ahead of their third-round tie against Wolves.
Everton secured a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Preston North End at Deepdale on Wednesday to advance to the third round of the Carabao Cup. French striker Thierno Barry scored a hat-trick and provided an assist, dominating a match that solidified David Moyes’s tactical approach early in the 2026/27 campaign.
The result carries notable significance for Everton’s sporting and asset trajectory. Barry, who managed eight goals in 41 appearances during the 2025/26 season, has now matched half of that total in significantly fewer minutes. This rapid return on investment underscores his successful adaptation to the Premier League and enhances his valuation as a core attacking asset for the club.
Everton controlled possession from the opening whistle, though clear-cut opportunities remained scarce in the first half. The breakthrough arrived in the 25th minute when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s lofted pass found Vitalii Mykolenko, who set up Barry for a composed finish.
Preston attempted to rally after the interval, sensing an opportunity to disrupt the visitors. However, Barry’s second goal in the 59th minute, facilitated by Iliman Ndiaye and Dewsbury-Hall, effectively neutralized any realistic chance of a comeback.
The French forward completed his hat-trick in the 70th minute, capitalizing on another Dewsbury-Hall cross. He immediately transitioned into a playmaking role, delivering a precise pass for Brennan Johnson to secure the fourth goal two minutes later.
Johnson’s strike marked his first goal since November 2025, shortly after his recent arrival from Crystal Palace. Moyes highlighted the Welshman’s performance as a return to the form he displayed at Tottenham, noting that his vision and finishing provide a valuable secondary threat.
For Preston, the defeat compounded a difficult start to their Sky Bet Championship campaign, having now lost their first two matches. Manager Paul Heckingbottom cited a lack of attacking options on the bench as a structural limitation, admitting, "We need attacking changes so we can keep the pressure on."
Everton will now prepare for a third-round fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The club has not progressed beyond this stage of the competition since the 2023/24 season, making this emphatic away performance a critical benchmark for Moyes as he seeks to build consistent squad depth.
