Everton produced a fine second-half turnaround to defeat Coventry City 3-1 on Friday night, moving up to fifth place in the Premier League. Forward Thierno Barry was the hero for the home team, scoring two quick goals before setting up a late third at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The visitors took the lead seven minutes into the second half when Jack Rudoni played in Yann Gboho. The Ivory Coast midfielder managed to squeeze his effort past Jordan Pickford from close range despite being surrounded by Everton defenders. That strike was Gboho's first goal since joining Coventry from Toulouse.
Everton responded quickly, equalising just four minutes later, according to Punch. Vitaliy Mykolenko delivered an in-swinging cross into the penalty box, allowing an unmarked Barry to power a header past Coventry goalkeeper Carl Rushworth.
The 24-year-old French striker struck again in the 62nd minute to put David Moyes's side ahead. After his initial effort was saved, Barry reacted fastest to force home the rebound despite protests from Coventry players claiming a handball. Barry then turned provider in the 81st minute, slipping a pass to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who finished sharply from a tight angle to wrap up the points.
Coventry manager Frank Lampard felt aggrieved by key refereeing decisions during the encounter. The visitors had two penalty appeals dismissed, including an incident where James Tarkowski pulled Caleb Yirenkyi's hair. Early in the second half, Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi was also denied a penalty after an untangled challenge from Mykolenko.
The victory marked a special milestone for Moyes, who matched Harry Catterick's record of 592 matches in charge of Everton. The result leaves Coventry sitting 16th on the table after suffering their third loss in four outings.
