Thierno Barry continues his rich scoring form

Everton’s winless streak at the Hill Dickinson Stadium continued on Monday evening with a 1-1 draw against Leeds United.

Thierno Barry scored his fourth goal in his last five league games to rescue a point for the Blues after James Justin scored the first-half opener for Daniel Farke’s side. Everton remain tenth in the table, five points clear of the top four.

Although the home side started strongly, it was Leeds United who dominated the first half. Former Toffee Dominic Calvert-Lewin had an early chance but his effort was saved by Jordan Pickford. The visitors broke through when Anton Stach’s low cross from the left was met by Justin at the back post in the 28th minute. Calvert-Lewin then hit the post from a cross from Jayden Bogle.

After a lukewarm first half, David Moyes brought on Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jarrad Branthwaite at half-time. Both players returned after a lengthy layoff due to injuries. The Blues got more joy after switching to a wing-back and Iliman Ndiaye had his shot blocked in the penalty area.

Barry scored the equalizer after a low cross from Idrissa Gana Gueye from the left. The latter came agonizingly close to the winning goal, but his shot bounced off the crossbar.

Here are Everton’s player ratings in the 1-1 draw against Leeds United:

Jordan Pickford: 7

Made himself big to prevent Dominic Calvert-Lewin from finding the back of the net early in the match. However, he could do little about James Justin’s goal.

Nathan Patterson (replaced by Tyler Dibling at 71′): 5.5

Patterson did well and produced some decent interceptions. Leeds were given too much trouble and he didn’t really get much help at times. Was replaced by Tyler Dibling in the 71st minute.

James Tarkowski: 6

Tarkowski could probably have done a few better things when he easily let Calvert-Lewin get ahead of him in the first half. However, he had a much better second half and held his own against his former teammate.

Jake O’Brien: 6

Had strong defensive numbers in the first half and moved to right-back when Jarrad Branthwaite came on after the break.

Vitalii Mykolenko: 4.5

It was a poor performance from the Ukrainian as several of Leeds United’s breaks came from his flank. He was let down by Jayden Bogle and his contribution in possession remains terrible. Wonder what Adam Aznou has to do to get his chance.

Idrissa Gana Gueye: 7

After leading his country to AFCON glory last weekend, Gana was also instrumental in securing a point for his side. He provided the excellent cross that was converted by Barry and Gana also hit the crossbar two minutes later.

In addition to the goal contributions, Gana has looked a little slower, especially in the first half, but that is to be expected after the grueling schedule he has had in recent weeks.

James Garner: 6.5

Garner was uncharacteristically quiet in the first half and was unable to dictate proceedings in midfield. Improved when Everton took control after the break.

Harrison Armstrong (replaced by Jarrad Branthwaite at half-time): 5

Armstrong looked a peripheral figure for much of the first half and failed to have the influence he has had in recent games, especially at Villa Park. Was taken off the field at half time.

Dwight McNeil (replaced by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall at half-time): 4

Had twelve ball contacts in the first half and was hardly involved in the match. Couldn’t follow James Justin’s run for Leeds’ opener and was slow in possession. Didn’t give Patterson enough protection defensively and offered very little in the final third.

Thierno Barry (replaced by Beto at 89′): 7

After a miserable first half, Thierno Barry came alive after the break. The French striker forced a good save from Karl Darlow with a clever shot from outside the boot. He continued to reach the Leeds backline and his persistence paid off when he hit the roof of the net with a composed finish from Gana’s cross. It was his fourth goal from his last five league games and after a quiet start on Merseyside he appears to be finding his confidence.

Ndiaye’s education: 6

With Jack Grealish out injured, Ndiaye was pushed to the left flank, where he operated for most of last season. Although he did well, the Senegalese lacked that little bit of extra quality and flair that he usually possesses. Several shots were blocked in the second half.

Replacements

Jarrad Branthwaite: 7

It takes a certain breed of footballer to suffer devastating injuries, miss the entire first half of the season and still look like you’ve been playing for months. Even beyond his defensive contributions, he brings so much to the ball. Branthwaite was comfortable carrying the ball and was also comfortable breaking the defensive lines with his passing.

Kiernan Dewsbury Hall: 7

Dewsbury-Hall also made his return from a hamstring injury, looking committed and operating well in tight spaces. He provided impetus in the final and contributed to the build-up to Barry’s goal.

Tyler Dibling: 5.5

He missed a late opportunity to shoot with his weak foot. Although full of tricks and turns, Dibling needs more composure and better decision-making in the final third.

Beto: N/A

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