Barry double lifts Everton to fifth on Moyes’s landmark night

AI-generated illustration.

Thierno Barry scored twice and set up another goal as Everton came from behind to beat Coventry City 3–1 on Friday, 6 November. The victory lifted them to fifth in the Premier League on David Moyes’s landmark night as manager.

Moyes took charge of Everton for the 592nd time, matching Harry Catterick’s tally. His side marked the occasion with a third consecutive win before the international break.

Frank Lampard’s visitors had threatened before the interval, with Jordan Pickford saving from Tatsuhiro Sakamoto and Jack Rudoni shooting narrowly wide. Yann Gboho then gave Coventry the lead in the 52nd minute after combining with Sakamoto.

Barry’s response turned the match. He headed the equaliser before putting Everton ahead in the 61st minute, taking his total to ten goals for the season.

The striker completed his contribution by releasing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall with a through ball in the 81st minute. The midfielder finished past Carl Rushworth at his near post to give Everton a two-goal cushion at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Coventry left frustrated by the officiating. A first-half penalty appeal involving an apparent James Tarkowski hair pull on Caleb Yirenkyi was rejected. Taiwo Awoniyi also went down under Vitalii Mykolenko’s challenge after the break, but VAR judged that the contact occurred outside the penalty area.

Barry’s second goal survived a further check after Coventry alleged handball. The video review found no conclusive evidence to overturn the on-field decision, and Lampard criticised the handling of the major incidents after the match.

Moyes also acknowledged that Everton had performed below their recent standards and credited Coventry with creating opportunities. His side nevertheless secured the points, with Barry’s goals and assist settling a difficult evening.