The Toffees fought back from a goal down to salvage a draw against Leeds United.
A win last night would’ve lifted the Blues to seventh in the table, just a point behind Liverpool.
It should come as no surprise then that Everton approached the first half last night in a ponderous, maladroit manner.
Iliman Ndiaye’s return to the starting XI offered some vibrancy, but we were otherwise second best.
James Justin’s deservedly opened the scoring on 28 minutes as Dwight McNeil casually jogged back, losing track of his man.
A clear elbow on Iliman Ndiaye in the build-up went unnoticed by Simon Hooper, while VAR chose not to intervene.
It was another week of the referee show, as Hooper made himself the centre of attention.
McNeil continued to look disinterested, bottling out of challenges that he looked to be the favourite to win.
Calvert-Lewin should’ve doubled the visitors’ lead, striking the post shortly before the interval.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jarrad Branthwaite were introduced for a much-improved second half.
However, it would take until the 76th minute for Everton to restore parity. Thierno Barry continued his fine form, latching onto Idrissa Gueye’s low cross to finish with aplomb.
The Frenchman has finally found his stride, scoring his fifth goal of the season.
The Toffees huffed and puffed for a winner. Idrissa Gueye hit the bar from range, but Leeds looked dangerous on the break.
EVERTON STUTTER ONCE MORE AT HOME. ONE POINT GAINED, OR TWO POINTS DROPPED?
As if we needed reminding, the performance of Vitalii Mykolenko highlighted the urgent need for a replacement left-back.
Time after time, our attack broke down once it reached the Ukrainian. There were moments in the second half when teammates seemed reluctant to trust him with the ball.
I’ve defended Myko in the past. His effort and work-rate are commendable, and he’s half-decent defensively.
However, with four goals and two assists in five years, he has to be moved on. We’ll never move on from the abysmal period we’ve endured until players such as Myklolenko are upgraded.
Tyler Dibling was introduced late on, and seemed keen to take on the Leeds defence.
It was to be a frustrating cameo for the teenager however, as his inexperience was evident.
It stands as another opportunity missed for the Blues, who now occupy 10th in the table.
Europe is still possible, but without some investment this month and an improved home form, it feels unlikely.
There were some positives to take from the game. Barry being among the goals, and the return of key players.
Moreover, as the debate about Hill Dickinson’s atmosphere rages on, I found to be vastly improved, particularly in the second half.
There’s always been a symbiotic relationship between Everton’s atmosphere, and what’s occurring on the pitch.
As the performance improved and we pushed for a winner, so did the atmosphere. It was also aided by Simon Hooper constant ineptitude.
It’s Brighton away next for David Moyes‘ side. Hopefully we’ll have one or two new faces in the matchday squad for that one.
