Everton produced another impressive night-time performance under David Moyes, recovering from a second-half setback to secure a 3-1 victory over Coventry City at Goodison Park.
Thierno Barry scored twice in five minutes to turn the game around, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall added a late third to complete the comeback.
The victory extended Everton’s recent run of positive results under Moyes, following consecutive evening wins against Newcastle.
It also moved the Toffees above Liverpool into fifth place in the Premier League table.
Moyes Marks Historic Everton Milestone
The fixture was another landmark occasion for Moyes, who took charge of his 592nd match as Everton manager, drawing level with Harry Catterick for the most games managed at the club.
The Scot is set to move ahead of Catterick after the international break when Everton face Brentford, managed by Keith Andrews, who was 21 when Moyes first took charge of the Merseyside club.
Despite the return of former Everton manager Frank Lampard, there was little room for sentiment as the home supporters created a lively atmosphere inside the stadium.
Everton began brightly, registering three attempts in the opening 10 minutes, but their early momentum gradually disappeared as Coventry settled into the contest.
Coventry Take Advantage of Everton’s Slow Start
The visitors took the lead seven minutes into the second half through Yann Gboho, whose effort exposed a lack of organisation in the Everton defence.
Despite being surrounded by Jarrad Branthwaite and Martin Rohl, the Coventry forward managed to turn and guide the ball beyond Jordan Pickford, who remained rooted to his position.
The goal forced Everton to respond, and the hosts quickly increased their attacking intensity.
Barry Delivers Two Goals to Complete the Turnaround
Barry proved decisive, scoring twice within five minutes to put Everton ahead.
The striker first rose at the far post to head past Carl Rushworth after Coventry failed to deal with the delivery into the box.
Five minutes later, he found himself involved in another battle at the back post and forced the ball over the line to give Everton a 2-1 advantage.
The double took Barry’s tally for the season to 10 goals, marking a considerable improvement on his difficult first campaign on Merseyside, when he did not score his first goal until December.
Moyes had joked before the match that Manchester City’s Erling Haaland should be concerned about Barry in the Golden Boot race, and the forward’s latest performance added to his growing contribution.
Dewsbury-Hall Completes Everton’s Victory
Dewsbury-Hall put the result beyond doubt with a third goal in the 81st minute, finishing another productive evening for the midfielder.
The England international had been left out of the national team‘s squad earlier in the day but delivered an impressive performance, earning an eight out of 10 rating.
Speaking after the match, he acknowledged his disappointment at missing out on selection but said he was satisfied with how he responded.
“It was a disappointing morning I’m not going to lie but I’m pleased with the way I reacted,” he said.
“I’ll keep pushing and pushing and see what happens.”
Moyes Provides Update on Grealish’s Return
Jack Grealish was again absent as he continues a tailored training programme aimed at restoring his match fitness following an off-field disciplinary issue.
Moyes suggested that the midfielder could return after the international break.
Tyler Dibling was selected in his place, making his first Premier League start of the season.
However, the youngster struggled to make an impression and was substituted in the 73rd minute.
Nathan Patterson’s replacement options were also used as Moyes made further changes during the second half, with O’Brien, Hackney and Johnson among those introduced.
Coventry Fail to Capitalise on Their Early Advantage
The defeat was a setback for Lampard’s side, who had recorded three victories in their previous five matches.
Coventry showed they could compete with Everton but struggled to maintain their attacking threat after taking the lead.
Sakamoto tested Pickford with a powerful effort, while Torp also threatened with a free-kick. However, those opportunities were among the visitors’ few meaningful attempts on goal.
There were also penalty appeals involving James Tarkowski and Vitalii Mykolenko on either side of half-time, although neither resulted in a spot-kick.
Everton ultimately took control through Barry’s goals before Dewsbury-Hall sealed the three points.
Match Statistics and Team Ratings
Everton 3-1 Coventry City
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Everton scorers: Thierno Barry (56, 61), Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (81).
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Coventry scorer: Yann Gboho (52).
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Attendance: 52,395.
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Referee: Stuart Attwell.
Everton (4-2-3-1): Pickford 5; Rohl 5 (O’Brien 73, 6), Tarkowski 5, Branthwaite 6 (Keane 89), Mykolenko 6; Armstrong 6 (Hackney 73, 6), Garner 6; Dibling 5 (Johnson 73, 5), Dewsbury-Hall 8, George 5 (Alcaraz 90); Barry 8.
Manager: David Moyes 6.
Coventry City (4-2-3-1): Rushworth 4; van Ewijk 5, Mfuni 6, Pinnock 6, Dasilva 6; Yirenkyi 6, Torp 6 (Grimes 86); Sakamoto 5 (Tchaouna 86), Rudoni 5 (Hamer 86), Gboho 6 (Thomas-Asante 73, 5); Awoniyi 5 (Cherif 87).
Manager: Frank Lampard 5.
Bookings: Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Yirenkyi (Coventry).
