David Moyes was left with combined feelings after his Everton workforce delivered an improved second-half show to earn a 1-1 draw with Leeds United on Monday.
Leeds had taken the lead via James Justin’s Twenty eighth-minute opener earlier than former Toffee Dominic Calvert-Lewin noticed his strike thunder in opposition to the submit shortly after.
Moyes changed Dwight McNeil and Harrison Armstrong for Kiernan Dewsbury-Corridor and Jarrad Branthwaite on the break, whereas additionally matching Leeds’ again three formation.
And people modifications paid off when Thierno Barry netted his fourth Premier League purpose in his final 5 outings with an excellent first-time end with 14 minutes remaining.
Idrissa Gueye then noticed his shot hit the crossbar, however Everton have been compelled to accept only a level, whereas additionally remaining winless in opposition to the newly-promoted aspect this season.
The Toffees did, nevertheless, see their anticipated targets (xG) complete bounce from 0.14 to 0.47 after the interval, whereas in addition they recorded extra photographs (six to 4) and touches within the opposition field (15 to 10) within the second half.
“Blended feelings. Actually disenchanted with how we performed within the first half. How we arrange didn’t work in addition to we’d’ve preferred,” Moyes conceded.
“We received the purpose, and we have been unlucky to not get a second one. Leeds have been first to each ball. We didn’t compete effectively, and it’s not like us.
“All spherical all, we lacked one thing that will make the distinction. We had lots of gamers coming again and none of them have been match to begin, to be trustworthy.
“I’m actually happy with the response. I’ve received a extremely sturdy group who demand from one another.”
A optimistic for Moyes was that this was simply the second time within the Premier League this season that Everton have averted defeat when conceding the opening purpose.
Nonetheless, the Toffees have now conceded 9 targets through crosses within the high flight this season, which is the joint-most within the competitors this time period together with West Ham.
One other concern for Moyes is Everton’s file at Hill Dickinson Stadium. After going unbeaten of their first 4 league video games of their new stadium, they’ve received simply two of their final seven in entrance of their residence supporters (D2 L3).
“We’ve moved to a brand new stadium, and it’s by no means simple while you transfer. It takes a little bit of time,” Moyes added.
“We began right here very well, so we hope we are able to get again once more and sustain the great away kind.”
The Everton boss additionally took the time to reward Barry for his efficiency. Because the begin of December, solely Ollie Watkins, Calvert-Lewin (each seven) and Erling Haaland (six) have scored extra Premier League targets than Everton’s quantity 11 (5).
As well as, after failing to attain with any of his first 15 Premier League photographs this season, Barry has now scored with 5 of his final 10 efforts on purpose.
“In case you’re a centre ahead, you’ll want to rating targets, and he hadn’t at first. He’s getting higher,” Moyes stated.
“He’s coaching effectively and getting used to scoring targets. We have to create extra possibilities, and we’re nonetheless making an attempt to get our attacking gamers again.