The five things we noticed from Everton's thumping victory over Preston North End in the Carabao Cup.
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Everton secured a convincing 4-0 victory over Preston North End as the Toffees advance into the next round of the Carabao Cup.
It was an incredibly comfortable display from Everton, with Thierno Barry grabbing himself a hat-trick.
It’s a performance that Everton can take confidence from, continuing their momentum from the Crystal Palace game and, hopefully, into the weekend against Bournemouth.
There was, of course, plenty to be happy about in terms of individual performances and the team’s display, but here are five things I noticed from the game.
Thierno Barry
It would be unjust not to mention Barry's performance. I’m not talking about the goals in terms of them being fantastic finishes. They weren’t, but it’s about his all-round improvement.
Barry has completely simplified his game, looking to play one and two-touch and let others do the ‘magic’. Then, that’s when he comes alive.
Action Images via Reuters
Action Images via Reuters
Barry’s desire to get into dangerous positions was on another level against Preston. If you’re not sure if you agree, just go back and watch the goals and focus only on him. That’s something he was missing last year, and that will only give him the confidence to try and try again.
It’s also incredibly pleasing to see him so happy. Let’s back him, and he’ll come good.
Full-back support
Now, maybe it was just because it’s Preston, but it was pleasing to see so much attacking support from the full-backs.
Vitalii Mykolenko, in particular, was regularly looking to get forward, as seen with his assist, and was overall looking to be a threat in the final third.
Having full-backs make runs from deep can drag markers away or make them an option themselves, and Everton reaped the rewards against Preston.
Hopefully we start seeing more of that bravery in the Premier League.
Midfield runners
Everton appeared to be playing more of a 4-3-3, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall on the left and Harrison Armstrong on the right. This mean we had constant midfield runners on either side, and it allowed them both to find space in between the lines.
This gives more support to the wingers having third-man runners, as seen when Iliman Ndiaye found Dewsbury-Hall before his shot was poked home by Barry.
Again, it’s imperative we see more of this against tougher opposition, as we do have talented players who can hurt teams.
Importance of pace
Brennan Johnson can be a real threat for us this season, particularly off the bench. We haven’t had a player who constantly looks to get in behind like he does for a long time.
In transition, we often see Everton attacks turn to nothing due to the lack of pace. Now, with the likes of Ndiaye’s carrying ability, Johnson’s runs in behind, and Barry’s movement, we look a real threat.
Against tired legs, there’s no reason Johnson can’t have a huge impact at times.
Jake O’Brien
To end on a sour note, it wasn’t nice seeing Jake O’Brien. The defender looked visibly upset and disappointed, which is no surprise.
It was incredibly telling that David Moyes decided against starting him and didn’t bring him off the bench. Out of nowhere, it does feel like his time at Everton could be coming to an end already.
Whether that’s right or wrong is up for discussion, but it certainly feels that way.