What we learned: Preson North End 0 - 4 Everton
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Everton defeated Preston North End 4-0 in a pre-season match, highlighted by a hat-trick from striker Thierno Barry. The performance also featured a goal and assist from Brennan Johnson, signaling a positive shift in the team's attacking strategy.
Why it matters
The match provides insight into Everton's squad depth and tactical adjustments ahead of the new football season.
Thierno Barry was the star of the show as Everton ran out 4-0 victors over David Moyes's former club Preston North End, becoming the first Toffees player to bag a hat-trick since Dominic Calvert-Lewin in 2020.
Barry had a superb pre-season and he has maintained that momentum into the start of the campaign, and he is playing with a smile on his face.
"Last season, I didn't show the real Thierno," the 23-year-old told Sky Sports after the game, as he clutched the match ball.
He danced away after his goals, and if he can keep up these kinds of displays, then he will certainly be well on his way to showing Everton were right to invest in him last year.
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