Everton Player Ratings: A brilliant moment for Barry

Thierno Barry celebrates scoring a goal which was ridiculously ruled out by VAR for Johnson interfering with the goalkeeper

(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

Player Ratings

• Jordan Pickford — 7/10 Had a couple of early heart-in-mouth moments when coming for high balls and getting caught slightly out of position, but recovered brilliantly. Made crucial low saves to keep Ipswich out during their spell of pressure and earned a vital clean sheet.

• Ainsley Maitland-Niles — 6/10 Solid outing at right-back. Worked hard up and down the flank to offer an out-ball, keeping Jack Clarke relatively quiet before being substituted late on.

• James Tarkowski — 8/10 An absolute rock in the box. Headed away almost everything Ipswich threw into the mixer, organizing the backline and ensuring the clean sheet held intact.

• Jarrad Branthwaite — 7/10 Mostly calm and composed alongside Tarkowski. Stepped out well to intercept passing lanes and brought stability when Ipswich threatened in spells but was seriously embarassed to have the ball stolen off him.

• Vitalii Mykolenko — 6/10 Picked up a booking in the 42nd minute for a mistimed challenge. Under pressure at times during Ipswich's second-half push, but stuck to his task defensively.

• James Garner — 7/10 Kept things moving nicely in the middle during periods of Everton control. Kept his discipline and provided good structural cover in front of the back four.

• Harrison Armstrong — 6/10 Showed good energy and tenacity throughout, though earned a late yellow card in stoppage time. Matched Ipswich's physical presence in midfield but should have played in Dewsbury-Hall when he had the chance.

• Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall — 6/10 Played his normal role between midfield and attack. Created space with quick horizontal passing and led the press efficiently but again a lot of things not working for him before coming off near the end.

• Brennan Johnson — 5/10 Struggled to make a decisive mark on the game before being withdrawn at the 65-minute mark. Worked hard off the ball, but final delivery crucially lacking for two great chances to score.

• Jack Grealish — 6/10 Carried the ball well enough and drew several fouls to relieve pressure. Provided some control on the left side, though lacked the killer final pass today before subbing off for Tyrique George.

• Thierno Barry — 8/10 (Man of the Match) The match winner. Took his 11th-minute goal with real sharpness and creative invention and proved a thorn in Ipswich's side with his movement and hold-up play throughout his shift. Really unlucky to have the second goal stolen off him by VAR, an excellent header from a corner.

Substitutes

• Tyler Dibling (65' for Johnson) — 8/10 Brought fresh energy on the wing right around the time Abdul Fatawu was sent off for a second yellow, helping keep Ipswich pinned back. Did probably his best work to date in terms of trying to create and score

• Tyrique George (78' for Grealish) — 6/10 Offered fresh legs on the flank to close out the game but was largely thwarted.

• Hayden Hackney (90+1' for Dewsbury-Hall) — N/A Late tactical change to shut down the clock.

• Jake O'Brien (90+1' for Maitland-Niles) — N/A Brought on deep in stoppage time to add defensive height.

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