Everton Cruise Past Preston in Carabao Cup, but Moyes’ Ambition Questioned

• by Shimanta Das
• August 27, 2026

Everton secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Preston North End in the Carabao Cup second round, with Thierno Barry scoring a hat-trick and Brennan Johnson ending his goal drought. The win sets up a home third-round tie against Wolves, but the match was overshadowed by manager David Moyes’ defensive response to questions about the club’s trophy ambitions. With Everton’s longest trophy drought in history now at 31 years, Moyes’ focus on Premier League survival has drawn criticism.

Moyes, who previously managed Preston for four years, fielded a strong side with only three changes from their opening Premier League win against Crystal Palace. This selection indicated a desire to progress in the competition, yet his pre-match comments suggested otherwise. When asked about the importance of cup competitions, he retorted, “Is winning a cup more important than staying in the Premier League?” This spiky response highlights the financial and existential pressures facing the club, which are compounded by a lack of squad depth and quality ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

The victory was a positive step, especially after last season’s early exit to Wolves in the same competition. However, Moyes’ cautious approach and the club’s limited resources raise concerns about their ability to compete on multiple fronts. Paul Heckingbottom, the Preston manager, will rue missed opportunities, but the focus now shifts to Everton’s league form and their upcoming third-round clash with Wolves.

Despite the win, the underlying tension remains: can Everton balance their Premier League survival with a genuine cup run? Moyes’ comments suggest that survival is the priority, but with a talented squad and a favourable home tie, fans will hope for a deeper run. The upcoming transfer deadline will be crucial, as Moyes has indicated the squad is short on numbers and quality. For now, the Toffees can enjoy their progress, but the bigger questions about ambition and silverware loom large.