Thierno Barry just smashed his first hat-trick in English football, sending a clear message: David Moyes is still building something special at Everton, and this young striker is absolutely dialed in. His campaign is only two games deep, and Barry already has four goals. Talk about making a statement after what sounds like a brutal first year.
Moyes’ Return and Barry’s Big Breakout
It was a real homecoming for David Moyes, heading back to Preston where it all started for him more than two decades ago. The fans there gave him a huge ovation before and after Everton just ran through them in the Carabao Cup. Moyes himself said he “loved being back,” and you could feel that good vibe radiating through the team. What a night to see Barry erupt, huh? Moyes signed him back in 2025, and while last year was “really difficult” for the kid, especially coming from overseas as a center-forward, the investment is paying off now. Moyes even admitted he’s still “annoyed” Barry didn’t bag even more, which tells you everything about the standard he sets. But hey, getting in the right positions, scoring three, and dishing a wicked pass for another goal? That’s what we want to see!
Dewsbury-Hall and Johnson Shine as Frustrations Fade
Look, Preston might be “Championship stragglers,” but you don’t just rout a team without some serious performances, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was absolutely outstanding. He was the engine behind all three of Barry’s goals. For the opener, Dewsbury-Hall curled a pass over the defense, Mykolenko centered it, and Barry finished first-time. That’s high-class stuff! Then, for Barry’s second, it was Dewsbury-Hall’s “ferocious shot” that got parried and bounced right off Barry for the finish. You love to see a player creating that chaos. And the third? A devastating counter-attack masterminded by Dewsbury-Hall himself, finished by a low cross from Brennan Johnson. Speaking of Johnson, his cameo was a revelation, grabbing both a goal and an assist in only his second Everton outing. This guy arrived without a transfer fee after a swap, and after never scoring in 26 games for Crystal Palace, he looks like a completely different player. Maybe that “summer of frustration” in the transfer market for Everton isn’t looking so bad after all when you see performances like this!
So, what’s next for Moyes’ crew? They’re headed for a third-round Carabao Cup meeting with Wolves. Remember, Wolves eliminated them at this exact stage last year. This is a chance for Everton to show what this renewed confidence, and particularly Barry’s scorching form, can do against a tougher opponent. Get ready for it!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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