Everton manager David Moyes looking shocked and Mansfield Town logo in circular inset
credit: imago
Evan Shaw
Wed 27 August 2025 22:01, UK
Everton eventually secured a 2-0 victory over Mansfield Town in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.
Second-half goals from Carlos Alcaraz and Beto saw the Toffees safely past their League One opponents and into the third round.
Everton christened the Hill Dickinson Stadium with a win over Brighton last weekend, and they will be hoping to quickly establish a strong record at their new home.
They took another step towards that against Mansfield, but it was not a positive night for one man within their ranks.
Everton manager David Moyes stares into the distance with a serious facial expression.
Credit: Imago
Charlie Adam slams Thierno Barry for display vs Mansfield Town
Thierno Barry has struggled at Everton so far since his move from Villarreal, and he failed to take another big opportunity that was presented to him against Mansfield.
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Moyes handed the Frenchman a start in the Carabao Cup clash as he continues to try and help the youngster settle into his new surroundings.
However, the boss was not rewarded with the kind of performance that he would have expected when coming up against third-tier opposition, and ultimately substituted the frontman in the 61st minute.
Barry had just 27 touches during his time on the pitch against Mansfield
He was often left isolated and lacking support at the top of the pitch
He completed fewer passes than any other Everton player who started the game
The Toffees struggled to create during a frustrating first half, in which the lower-league visitors largely held their own.
They struggled to create clear-cut opportunities in the final third, and ex-Toffees set-piece coach Charlie Adam was quick to criticise Barry for the role that he played in a dull first half from an Everton perspective.
“The back four hasn’t been a problem; it’s the top end of the pitch really that hasn’t got any rhythm or fluency to it,” Adam said on talkSPORT 2 (27 August, 8:47pm).
“Barry is playing there as a nine, and he’s looked isolated. He’s looked lost at times.”
Thierno Barry in action for Everton
Credit: Imago
David Moyes needs a new striker at Everton
Barry was always going to need patience at Everton, but they don’t really have time to wait for him to adapt to the fast-paced style of the Premier League.
Moyes will be hopeful of lifting the team into the top half this term, and he will need a striker who carries a consistent goal threat in order to do that.
Beto is also not an overly reliable goalscorer, and that arguably creates the need for the Merseysiders to add another number nine to their ranks before Monday’s transfer deadline.
Several additions have been made to the attacking areas, but they still lack that focal point and goal threat to lead the line through the middle.
Top-class strikers are certainly not easy to come by without a significant transfer budget, but Everton could do with finding one in the next few days.
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