Thierno Barry's first Everton hat-trick powered the Toffees to a comfortable 4-0 Carabao Cup second-round victory at Preston North End. The striker's treble, completed by a Brennan Johnson goal, ensured a smooth passage into the next stage of the competition.
Barry opened the scoring at Deepdale in the 25th minute, giving manager David Moyes a comfortable return to the club where he began his coaching career. The forward doubled the lead just before the hour mark and completed his hat-trick with twenty minutes remaining. Johnson added a fourth goal to complete the rout against the Championship side. The result will be a welcome boost for the team's confidence as they look ahead to their upcoming fixtures, starting with a Premier League match against Aston Villa this weekend.
Newcastle edge through in thriller
Elsewhere, Newcastle United required a late winner from Harvey Barnes to overcome West Bromwich Albion 3-2. The Magpies fell behind to an Isaac Price free-kick but levelled through debutant Bazoumana Toure. Barnes put them ahead after the break, only for Price to equalise from the penalty spot. Barnes struck again four minutes later to secure the win. Before kick-off, Newcastle presented new £52 million signing Nico Gonzalez to the home crowd. The victory provides momentum as the club aims to climb the early standings in all competitions.
Tottenham hit five with new boy on target
Tottenham Hotspur responded to their opening-day league defeat with a 5-1 thrashing of Charlton Athletic. Mikey Moore, Dominic Solanke and Kevin Danso were on the scoresheet before new signing Savio marked his debut with a goal. The £85 million arrival from Manchester City found the net in the 82nd minute, with Ben Davies adding a fifth shortly after. The result provides a positive start for Roberto De Zerbi's side in this competition. De Zerbi will hope the performance, featuring goals from across his squad, signals a return to form.
Everton's focus now returns to the Premier League, with their next fixture against Aston Villa on Saturday. The comprehensive win at Deepdale offers a timely boost ahead of that league encounter, with Barry's form a particular highlight for Moyes as he considers his options from the full squad.
