Thierno Barry announced himself as the goalscorer David Moyes has been crying out for, netting his first career hat-trick as Everton cruised past Preston North End in the Carabao Cup second round, with new arrival Brennan Johnson also getting on the scoresheet on his contribution-filled evening.
The France under-21 international, who managed just four goals throughout a testing debut campaign in English football last season, has now doubled that tally in only two matches of the new season. Barry's treble at Deepdale followed his headed strike against Crystal Palace, and came on an emotional night for Moyes, who was returning competitively to the ground where he built his managerial reputation before departing for Everton back in 2002.
Moyes pointed to changes behind the scenes as the catalyst for Barry's upturn in form. "Thierno worked with somebody back home in the summer who tried to change his mindset a bit," the Everton boss explained. "He found it difficult last year, as a lot of boys coming in from overseas do, and it can be even worse if you're a centre forward. Generally, he has been much better since he came back but I would still like more. A couple of his goals were laid on a plate and I want him to score some of the other opportunities he had as well."
The comfortable victory arrived after Moyes had been forced to defend his priorities ahead of the tie, responding pointedly when questioned about the significance of cup football this season. "I'll ask you the question," he said. "Is winning a cup more important than staying in the Premier League? What would your answer be?" His remarks hinted at frustration with Everton's ownership, The Friedkin Group, who have offered limited backing in the transfer market so far this summer, with Moyes insisting his squad still lacks depth and quality ahead of Tuesday's deadline.
Despite his cup comments, Moyes fielded a strong side at Deepdale, leaving out only Jarrad Branthwaite and Tyrique George from his opening-day lineup. Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom, in contrast, rotated heavily, making seven alterations following his side's league defeat to Wolves.
Everton controlled proceedings from the outset, with Preston barely threatening in the opening period. Harrison Armstrong, back at a club where he impressed on loan last term, was warmly received and once again shone alongside Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, the pair combining to unsettle the Championship side's backline throughout.
Dewsbury-Hall was instrumental in the opener, threading a delightful ball over the Preston defense for Vitalii Mykolenko. The left-back controlled it calmly before squaring for Barry to slot home unmarked.
Preston showed more spirit after the interval but were dealt a swift blow when Barry struck again. Dewsbury-Hall combined with Iliman Ndiaye before forcing a save from goalkeeper Lee Nicholls, and Barry pounced on the rebound to make it 2-0.
His hat-trick was completed with a simple finish after Johnson squared the ball across goal, and Barry then turned provider himself, splitting the Preston defense with a pass that Johnson calmly dispatched past the exposed keeper.
Reflecting on his homecoming, Moyes said simply: "I loved being back." Given the emphatic nature of his side's performance, it was easy to understand why.
Everton's reward for their dominant display is a third-round tie against Wolves, part of a draw that also produced notable fixtures including Liverpool against Tottenham and Manchester United hosting Brighton.
Based on reporting from The Guardian.