Thierno Barry's deflected effort proved enough for Everton to claim a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, though a contentious VAR ruling denied the striker what appeared to be a legitimate second goal.

The opener arrived courtesy of an unlikely combination: James Tarkowski's long-range strike cannoned off Barry and wrong-footed goalkeeper Christian Walton. David Moyes' side now sit fifth in the Premier League table, unbeaten through the opening weeks of the season.

VAR controversy takes centre stage

Barry thought he had doubled Everton's lead in the second half when he met Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's in-swinging corner with a precise glancing header. VAR, however, intervened and chalked it off, ruling that Brennan Johnson was interfering with play from an offside position.

The decision drew swift criticism. Speaking on Soccer Saturday, Sue Smith was unconvinced: