Everton 3-1 Coventry City: Thierno Barry double seals comeback after VAR controversy

Everton came from behind to beat Coventry City 3-1, with Thierno Barry scoring twice and setting up the third goal in a match dominated by three disputed VAR decisions.

The victory moved Everton up to fifth in the Premier League, above Merseyside rivals Liverpool, although they could remain there for only 48 hours depending on other results.

Coventry had several decisions go against them during an eventful afternoon on Merseyside, but Everton took control after the interval to secure the points.

Yann Gboho had given the visitors the lead shortly after half-time with an impressive solo effort. The Coventry forward evaded a series of Everton challenges before keeping his composure to beat Jordan Pickford.

Everton responded within four minutes. Barry found space at the far post to meet a delivery from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and headed the ball into the net to level the score.

The forward then completed his double with another finish at the back post from a similar delivery. Coventry players immediately protested, claiming Barry had used his hand in the build-up.

The goal was reviewed by VAR, but it was allowed to stand after officials determined there was no conclusive evidence of a handball.

That was the third major VAR incident to leave Coventry frustrated.

During the first half, Everton captain James Tarkowski appeared to pull Caleb Yirenkyi’s hair inside the penalty area. VAR official Tim Wood reviewed the incident, but no penalty was awarded and Tarkowski was not punished.

Coventry were also denied a spot-kick after the restart when Taiwo Awoniyi went down following a challenge by Everton defender Vitalii Mykolenko. VAR confirmed there had been contact, but ruled that the challenge had taken place outside the penalty area.

With Coventry pressing for an equaliser, Everton eventually secured the result through Dewsbury-Hall. Barry turned provider, threading a precise pass through the visiting defence and allowing the midfielder to finish from a difficult angle.

The goal completed the scoring and offered Dewsbury-Hall a positive response after England head coach Thomas Tuchel omitted him from his squad announcement earlier on Friday.

Everton’s latest win extends their strong position in the league, while Coventry remain only two points above the relegation zone. They could fall into the bottom three by the end of the weekend.

Barry’s finishing and creativity proved decisive for Everton, but the three controversial VAR decisions are likely to remain the main focus after the final whistle.