David Moyes believes Everton’s renewed strength in depth was the driving force behind their second-half resurgence against Leeds United, as the Blues battled back to secure a 1-1 draw on Monday night at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton found themselves chasing the game after James Justin put Daniel Farke’s side ahead in the 28th minute, following a disjointed first-half display from the hosts.
However, the contest shifted after the break, with the Blues showing greater control and intensity.
That momentum was eventually rewarded when Thierno Barry struck his fourth goal in five league matches to level the score.
Crucially, Moyes introduced Jarrad Branthwaite and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall at the start of the second half, both returning from hamstring injuries, and their presence helped Everton gain a foothold in midfield and defence.
“I think the levels of the players we were bringing on and players who can play, and it gave us a bit more control in the game,” said Moyes. “We passed it and controlled it a bit better.
“We’re still way short of where maybe we’ve been. We’re still not making enough chances and creating enough opportunities for people to score.”
He added: “[Jarrad and Kiernan] – these two boys are starters for us, for our football club, but they’re not ready to start yet.
“Jarrad’s played no football – he’s trained but he’s been out for the best part of eight months. Kieran’s been playing, obviously, and picked up a hamstring injury. So I was a bit more sure he would be okay.
“But we had to introduce them to try something to see if we could change how the momentum was going. Leeds were better than us in the first half.
“We didn’t organise well against them and because of that, I wouldn’t say they dominated, but they had a good chunk of the first half.”
The gaffer continued: “The team selection was difficult tonight because we chose not to play Merlin [Rohl], who played very well against Aston Villa. We thought Gana getting back in would be the right thing to do. Obviously, we need Kiernan’s ability and his craft, which he helps make goals and score his goals.
“It wasn’t easy to change things at half-time, but I felt it was the way to try to do something. Thankfully, the boys got us a point out of it. We need to just start finding ways to try to win some games at the stadium here because we’re struggling at the moment.”
As the season enters a decisive stretch, the Toffees will hope their returning core can turn hard-earned points into vital victories.
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