Everton claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town, keeping their unbeaten record intact ahead of the international break and climbing to fifth place in the Premier League. The match was marked by several contentious decisions, most notably a VAR review that disallowed a goal by Thierno Barry. The goal was initially awarded but later overturned after it was determined that Brennan Johnson was offside and had not interfered with goalkeeper Christian Walton's ability to stop the shot. However, this decision did not change the final result of the game. Everton started the match on a high note but struggled with unforced errors from key players, including Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Jarrad Branthwaite, and Harrison Armstrong. These mistakes created pressure for Ipswich, who capitalized on their opponents' misjudgments. Everton had a chance to open the scoring when Armstrong created an opportunity for Johnson, but the Wales international shot wide. The game also included a moment of remembrance for Noah Woods, a three-year-old from Suffolk who had gone missing earlier in the week, with both sets of fans giving a heartfelt ovation in his honor. Thierno Barry eventually scored the opening goal, his fifth of the season, in a somewhat unusual fashion. He reacted quickly to divert James Tarkowski's 25-yard volley into the net, catching the goalkeeper off guard by chesting the ball into the opposite side of the goal. The goal was controversial due to Barry's positioning, which left Walton wrong-footed. Despite the initial controversy, the goal stood and gave Everton the lead. Ipswich fought hard to equalize, with Abdul Fatawu posing a constant threat. His efforts were ultimately thwarted by Jordan Pickford, who made a crucial save after a poor clearance from Everton. Fatawu's own error in the second half led to a second yellow card for simulation, which was particularly galling for manager Kieran O'Neil as his team pressed for an equalizer. Despite numerous chances, Everton failed to add to their lead, with Pickford and Walton making key stops. In the closing moments, Branthwaite made a crucial defensive intervention to prevent a last-minute equalizer, securing the three points for Everton.