Everton made it two wins from two with a 4-0 Carabao Cup victory over Preston North End at Deepdale on Wednesday night, days after a 2-0 Premier League win over Bournemouth. Thierno Barry scored his first hat-trick for the club and then turned provider for Brennan Johnson.
Thierno Barry's strong start
Mark McParlan praised Barry: "Four goals in his first two matches is an outstanding statement of intent. Maybe now we’re seeing an improved young striker after a year of (at times very harsh) Premier League experience now under his belt. When you see what £50-£60million for a striker gets you now, maybe we haven’t done too badly."
McParlan noted Everton controlled games against Crystal Palace and Preston, with midfielders James Garner, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Harrison Armstrong, and Hayden Hackney looking "absolutely fantastic." Two clean sheets were a delight, though first-half chances for Crystal Palace were concerning.
Jake O'Brien sale would be shortsighted
McParlan said Jake O'Brien's absence from the pitch was conspicuous given transfer speculation. "For two seasons he’s done a very solid job at right-back, and when called upon to play his natural centre-half position, he has looked excellent. Given Jarrad Branthwaite’s dodgy injury record, a Jake O'Brien sale would be, for me, a monumentally shortsighted decision."
On Jack Grealish's possible return, McParlan said: "With Iliman Ndiaye, Brennan Johnson, Tyrique George, and Tyler Dibling all in the squad, we aren’t in as desperate a position as last summer, but if the deal is right, then clearly Jack Grealish would elevate the level of this team."
Ndiaye's value and fan atmosphere
Paul McParlan wrote: "Iliman Ndiaye showed that keeping him at the club during this transfer window could be our best piece of business." He also praised the fan plaza atmosphere and the 1878s' flag display, including the banner 'On the banks of the Royal Blue Mersey.'
He said the Preston tie had potential to be a "banana skin," but over 5,000 travelling Blues made up a third of the crowd, and celebrations were "something to savour." Barry, still 23, could have a breakthrough season after improving his touch, movement, and passing.
McParlan praised David Moyes for fielding a strong team, noting the competition represents Everton's best chance of a trophy. He added: "There are still a few days of the transfer window left, and Everton could yet surprise us by signing a right back! The return of Jack Grealish would be a boost, but we have shown that we can progress without him."
Looking ahead to Bournemouth away on Saturday, he said: "If we can get something there, it would be another indication that we may be heading in the right direction. So far, so good!"
