Everton secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town on Saturday, with Thierno Barry’s early goal enough to earn the hosts all three points in their Premier League clash at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Barry broke the deadlock in the 11th minute after Everton captain James Tarkowski won the ball in the area and knocked it into his path.
The forward reacted quickly to fire past Christian Walton and put Everton ahead.
The hosts dominated much of the contest and created several opportunities to extend their lead.
Everton finished with 21 attempts compared with Ipswich’s 13 and had the better expected-goals figure, but their lack of accuracy kept the visitors within touching distance.
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was particularly important as Ipswich searched for an equaliser.
He made four saves, including three from inside the box, to preserve the home side’s advantage. Ipswich produced four efforts on target but were unable to beat the England international.
The visitors’ task became more difficult in the 67th minute when Abdul Fatawu Issahaku was shown a second yellow card for simulation and sent off. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Ipswich continued to push forward and enjoyed spells of possession, but Everton’s defence held firm.
Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite were prominent at the back for Everton, with both defenders making several important clearances and blocks.
The hosts also defended crosses effectively as Ipswich increasingly relied on long balls and deliveries into the box.
Everton had chances to put the result beyond doubt, but Brennan Johnson and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall were among those who missed opportunities.
Barry’s 11th-minute effort, however, proved sufficient as Everton held on for their second victory of the Premier League season.
The result gave Everton three valuable points from their fifth league match, while Ipswich were left to rue their inability to convert their opportunities into an equaliser.
