The Toffees made short work of Nottingham Forest in a comprehensive 3-0 victory at Goodison Park. That sensational run tumbled them up to fifth place in the Premier League. Thierno Barry, a summer buy for £27 million from Villarreal. The new signing marked his arrival with a bang—his first goal for Everton came on his 737th minute without a goal. It was an important win for Everton, who had lost two of their last three home fixtures.
Saturday’s game might have felt like the climax, but for many, it was just the beginning. Everton displayed their character in holding on to maintain a seven-game league unbeaten streak when scoring first. In fact, they had won five of those games, highlighting their proclivity to make the most of favorable situations. They took advantage of a Nottingham Forest team that refused to play with the ball. It wasn’t until Jordan Pickford brilliantly tipped Elliot Anderson’s effort over just before Barry scored that they even had a shot on goal.
Michael Keane was restored to the center of Everton’s defense. His presence was important, providing the team with the spine and structure necessary to earn a third-straight clean sheet. Defensive indiscipline police, and the Toffees took command of the match from the jump. Barry’s strike was an emphatic finish after Iliman Ndiaye distinctly threaded him through on goal within the area. Cool under pressure, Barry slotted home calmly past Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels with second-half stoppage time ticking away.
Setpiece specialist Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall added a killer third as the Foxes countered. Strikes like this one cemented their dominant showing and capped off a successful day for the team. This triumph was Everton’s fourth victory in their last five games. They are making the case that they should be among the favorites in the Premier League table.
Thierno Barry’s continued inclusion in the starting lineup, with six consecutive starts since manager David Moyes placed his trust in him, speaks to his growing importance within the squad. The team’s confidence and chemistry is at an all-time high as they now have their sights set on building this positive momentum headed into the future.
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