What We Learned: Everton 1 - 0 Ipswich Town | OneFootball

Tyler Dibling and Leif Davis in contention for the ball

(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

So Everton reach the first international break of the season on the back of a win in the Premier League — their second of the season — and, importantly, are yet to suffer a defeat in 2026-27.

It wasn’t pretty against Ipswich Town on Saturday, but Everton got the job done. Here’s a few things we learned.

EVERTON HAVE A LOT OF WORK TO DO IN POSSESSION

This isn’t really anything new, but at times on Saturday, Everton were simply so poor in possession that it would have been reasonable to ask just what they work on day after day at Finch Farm.

That’s not to say that the tactical blueprint wasn’t in place. It seemed clear that Everton’s intention was to draw Ipswich’s press and then exploit the gaps that subsequently opened up.

They nearly did this effectively, too, with Jack Grealish often left in acres of space down the left. Too often, though, the build-up wasn’t quick enough, or passes or touches from key players like Grealish, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, James Garner, Jordan Pickford and even Jarrad Branthwaite, were off.

That needs to improve, because if not, it will be exposed by better teams.

BARRY HAS SMARTS

Thierno Barry’s 11th-minute winner was an unusual one, to say the least, but it was also a particularly clever finish.

On first glance, it seemed that James Tarkowski’s volley had just taken a lucky deflection off Barry. But the replays showed it was actually an excellent bit of movement from the striker.

Sure, it still needed a bit of luck, but Barry managed to angle his body so the ball ricocheted off his chest. Yes, it still could have gone anywhere, but that type of quick-thinking is another example of the talent Barry has.

He should have doubled up when he missed a free header later in the first half, but there was also no way his goal in the second half shouldn’t have stood.

Barry’s far from perfect, but it’s another goal for the season, and a bit of confidence back after his misses in recent weeks.

PICKING TARKOWSKI IS ABSOLUTELY RIGHT

While Branthwaite had an unusual off day to begin with — albeit, he came up with some huge blocks late on — Tarkowski probably had his best game of the season.

And for all the understandable clamour for Jake O’Brien to be in the starting XI alongside Branthwaite, it’s absolutely correct that Moyes sticks with Tarkowski for now.

Let’s stress, that’s for now, not necessarily for the rest of the season. But as it stands, Tarkowski and Branthwaite form a reliable partnership, one that has helped keep three clean sheets already from five league matches.

Tarkowski’s know-how and nous helped when Ipswich had a late flurry of chances.

Everton saw out the match with a 19-year-old in midfield and two 20-year-old wingers; there should be no rush whatsoever to be forcing the club captain out of the team, especially if he keeps performing well.

PRO REF IS UNFIT FOR PURPOSE

Again, this isn’t really anything new, but we couldn’t not mention the absolute travesty that was Barry’s disallowed goal.

Why the VAR thought they should get involved in the first place is a farce; why on-field referee Stuart Attwell didn’t then just show some common sense is even more baffling.

It simply comes down to these officials not being up to scratch. This decision was an overcorrection after the dog’s dinner of the Manchester derby, and will 100% not be applied consistently for the rest of the campaign.

David Moyes walked the line when he spoke about the decision in his post-match press duties, but it would have been nice to see him really dig the officials out. That goal, at that stage of the game, would have settled any nerves — they simply cannot be making these mistakes, week-in & week-out.