- ⚽ GOAL: James Justin, 28th minute, Leeds United
- ⚽ GOAL: Thierno Barry, 76th minute, Everton
Everton recovered from a subdued first-half display to secure a 1-1 Premier League draw with Leeds United at Hill Dickinson Stadium, as Thierno Barry continued his impressive scoring streak with a decisive late equaliser.
Leeds began with confidence and authority, controlling the tempo through midfield and stretching Everton’s defensive shape with intelligent movement. Their superiority was rewarded in the 28th minute when James Justin arrived at the back post to convert a low cross from Anton Stach, guiding his finish beyond Jordan Pickford for a deserved opener.
The visitors could have doubled their advantage shortly afterwards when Dominic Calvert-Lewin, facing his former club, struck the post from close range. Everton struggled to impose themselves before the interval and failed to register a shot on target, leaving the home crowd frustrated at half-time.
David Moyes responded with bold changes, introducing Jarrad Branthwaite and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and switching formation to match Leeds’ structure. The impact was immediate, with Everton playing higher up the pitch and creating sustained pressure for the first time in the match.
Karl Darlow produced an excellent save to deny Barry from an improvised effort, but the Leeds goalkeeper was powerless in the 76th minute when Thierno Barry struck again. Idrissa Gueye released the forward at the near post, and Barry showed sharp movement and composure to flick his finish into the roof of the net.
Everton nearly completed the turnaround moments later when Gueye rattled the crossbar from distance, while substitute Tyler Dibling had a late chance to win it but chose to square the ball instead of shooting for the far corner. Leeds, however, defended resolutely in the closing stages to secure a valuable away point.
The result extends Everton’s winless home run but highlights their resilience, while Leeds move further clear of the relegation zone after a performance built on first-half dominance and second-half discipline.
