On Liverpool’s waterfront, Everton will head into the international break with an unfamiliar sense of calm. Thierno Barry’s early finish earned David Moyes’ side a 1-0 victory over Ipswich at Hill Dickinson Stadium, extending their unbeaten start to five Premier League matches.
Barry struck in the 11th minute after James Tarkowski supplied the decisive pass, giving Everton a lead they protected through a demanding contest against the newly promoted visitors.
The result continues an unexpectedly strong opening for a club more accustomed in recent seasons to looking over its shoulder in the relegation battle. Everton began the campaign by beating Crystal Palace, then drew against Bournemouth, Manchester United and Tottenham before overcoming Ipswich.
Barry delivers the difference
Everton made their positive opening count when Tarkowski created the opportunity for Barry, whose goal proved enough to settle the match. The forward thought he had added another after the interval, but that effort was ruled out.
Ipswich remained competitive despite their difficult start in Liverpool, but their task became considerably tougher in the 67th minute. Ghanaian player Issahuku Fataw was sent off after collecting a second yellow card, leaving Gary O’Neil’s team to finish with 10 men.
With the extra player, Everton saw out the closing stages with greater control and left Ipswich increasingly resigned to defeat.
Different moods before the pause
The visitors sit around the middle of the table despite suffering their third loss in five fixtures, but they could not find a response after Barry’s strike.
For Everton, the win adds momentum to a sequence that has changed the mood around the club. Five games without defeat, and a second victory of the season, have given Moyes’ side optimism before domestic football pauses for international fixtures.
