VAR drama clouds win as Thierno Barry scores, Gary O'Neil praised

In a Premier League clash on the banks of the River Mersey, VAR intervened twice as Thierno Barry’s header gave Everton a 2‑0 lead against Ipswich Town. Despite the controversy, Gary O'Neil’s side fought back, but the defeat left them still chasing a higher finish.

Thierno Barry met Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s corner with a near‑post header that looped to the far post, sealing Everton’s second goal and putting the visitors 2‑0 ahead. The South Stand erupted, recalling the reaction when Ainsley Maitland‑Niles rescued a point against Manchester United at the same ground. The match report by Nathan Salt for Football, dated September 19, 2026, recorded the action.

VAR overturns a second strike

Moments later, VAR official Andrew Kitchen signalled a review after Brennan Johnson appeared to stand in front of Ipswich goalkeeper Christian Walton. Referee Stuart Attwell ruled the ball an indirect free‑kick, judging Johnson to have interfered with Walton’s ability to save, despite the keeper being hedged to his left and out of reach. David Moyes protested, saying “the word used was affected his ability to save it which I don’t think was the case”.

Moyes added that consistency from officials will be hard to achieve this season, doubting a swift improvement. Barry later expressed his frustration, stating “I don’t understand why the second goal was offside because the goalkeeper can do nothing to prevent the goal”. The 23‑year‑old remains one of only two Premier League players with five or more goals this season, alongside Erling Haaland’s six.

Everton sit fifth in the Premier League, unbeaten and eyeing European qualification as the international break approaches. Moyes praised Barry as a “fascinating project”, noting the club took a risk on a young striker and that “he’s got an awful lot of good attributes”. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford echoed the sentiment, insisting “he works hard and the goals will come from working hard”.

Ipswich’s tactical gamble

Gary O'Neil’s Ipswich Town responded by shifting to a 4‑3‑2 shape, with strikers Chuba Akpom and Zian Flemming leading the attack. The manager also dropped summer signing Kjell Scherpen, opting for Christian Walton between the posts, a decision he defended as part of building a resilient culture. O'Neil’s side pressed forward despite the numerical disadvantage.

In the 67th minute, Abdul Fatawu received a second yellow for simulation and was sent off, leaving Ipswich with ten men. Even with the red card, O'Neil’s side continued to create chances, illustrating the fighting spirit he has tried to instil. The match ended with Everton holding on for the win.

The victory ensures Everton remain unbeaten heading into the international break, while the VAR controversy highlighted ongoing challenges for officials. O'Neil earned praise for his tactical bravery, and both managers acknowledged that the season’s referee decisions will remain a talking point.