Thierno Barry Hat-trick Powers Everton Past Preston in Carabao Cup

Thierno Barry netted a treble and provided an assist as Everton cruised into the third round of the Carabao Cup with a dominant 4-0 victory over Preston at Deepdale.

The French forward, who scored eight goals in 41 appearances during the 2025/26 season, has already matched half that tally this season despite playing 38 fewer games. This follows his first goal of the season in Saturday's Premier League win against Crystal Palace.

Everton, who have not advanced beyond the third round since the 2023/24 campaign, will face Wolves in the next stage of the competition.

Everton asserted control from the outset, dominating possession and creating numerous opportunities against a Preston side that had lost their opening two Sky Bet Championship fixtures. While many of these early chances were not of the highest quality, the Toffees eventually found their breakthrough.

The 10th attempt proved successful. A well-weighted pass from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall found Vitalii Mykolenko on the left flank. Mykolenko then set up Barry, who calmly finished to give Everton the lead.

Although a surge of goals seemed likely after the opening strike, it didn't materialize immediately. However, Preston showed renewed determination at the start of the second half, a shift in momentum that was palpable among the home crowd.

Barry's second goal just before the hour mark diminished Preston's comeback hopes. His simple finish to complete his hat-trick effectively sealed Everton's progression with 20 minutes remaining.

Brennan Johnson, a recent arrival from Crystal Palace, added further gloss to the scoreline by netting his first goal since November 2025, making it 4-0.

Match Key Moments:

• 25': GOAL! After nine previous attempts, Barry finishes a well-worked move to put Everton ahead.
• 39': CHANCE! Merlin Rohl's misjudgement of a bounce gifts Preston an opportunity. Delano Burgzorg lays the ball back to Leo Leroy, who shoots over from a promising position.
• 45': SAVE! Debutant goalkeeper Lee Nicholls makes an excellent save at his near post to deny Tyler Dibling.
• 47': BLOCK! James Tarkowski makes a crucial intervention to block Delano Burgzorg's shot as Preston push for an equalizer.
• 59': GOAL! Iliman Ndiaye sets up Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, whose cross is parried directly to Barry, who makes no mistake.
• 65': SAVE! Jordan Pickford makes his only significant save of the night, denying Callum Lang's well-struck overhead kick.
• 70': GOAL! Dewsbury-Hall finds substitute Johnson, who creates space and squares for Barry to complete his hat-trick.
• 72': GOAL! Barry turns provider, setting up Johnson with a fine pass. Johnson, in a similar position, goes alone to add the final goal.