Everton 3–1 Coventry — Barry brace stands after VAR check

Everton came from behind to beat Coventry 3:1 in a Premier League match on 6 November 2026, but the win was overshadowed by controversy over Thierno Barry’s second goal, which Coventry players and staff argued involved a handball before the finish.

Coventry opened the scoring in the 52nd minute through Yann Gboho, only for Barry to equalise five minutes later. Four minutes after that Barry was again in the right place to turn a cross into the net and complete a rapid double that swung the game in Everton’s favour.

VAR check and angry reaction

Players from Coventry reacted angrily on the pitch, claiming Barry had controlled the ball with his hand prior to the second strike. Television replays increased suspicion of hand contact, but the Video Assistant Referee reviewed the sequence and the on-field decision was to allow the goal — a verdict that left the visitors feeling aggrieved.

Barry completed his personal contribution later in the match by providing the assist for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s 81st-minute finish, which sealed Everton’s 3:1 victory and removed any remaining doubts about the scoreboard.

Everton’s quick turnaround — two goals from Barry inside four minutes — proved decisive, but the focus after the game remained on the disputed second goal and the VAR decision that confirmed it.

Photo: press material from the event