LONDON– Everton and Leeds United played out a 1-1 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on January 26, 2026. It was a match of two very different halves, and the final score suited what happened overall. Everton’s second-half push lifted them into 10th, while Leeds stayed 16th and kept a six-point gap above the relegation places.
David Moyes saw his side start slowly, then respond with much more purpose after the break. Daniel Farke’s Leeds looked sharp early and caused plenty of problems, but they could not turn their control into a second goal. Both teams had chances to win it, and both will feel they left something on the table.
Leeds Controls the First Half
Leeds came into this one in good form, with only one defeat since early December. They played like a confident team early on, pressing high and moving the ball quickly into space. Everton struggled to settle, and injuries did not help, including Jack Grealish missing out with a stress fracture.
The opener arrived in the 28th minute. Anton Stach drove a low cross across the box from the right, and James Justintimed his run well at the far post. He kept his cool and finished from close range to put Leeds ahead.
A few minutes later, Leeds almost made it 2-0. Former Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin, playing against his old club for the first time since joining on a free transfer in the summer, struck the post from close range after confusion in the Everton back line.
Leeds piled up 10 first-half shots, their most in a Premier League half since 2021. Everton did not manage a single shot on target before the break. The home fans made their frustration clear at halftime as the Toffees walked off to boos.
Moyes Changes It Up and Everton Improve
Everton looked like a different team after halftime. Moyes brought on Jarrad Branthwaiteand Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, then shifted into a back three to mirror Leeds and add more drive through midfield. The change gave Everton more control and far more energy.
The chances started coming. Iliman Ndiaye, back after AFCON duty with Senegal, carried the ball with intent and asked questions of the Leeds defense. Thierno Barry also stayed a constant threat around the box.
Leeds keeper Karl Darlowmade a standout save to stop Barry’s improvised effort, keeping Leeds in front as Everton increased the pressure.
Everton finally found their equalizer in the 76th minute. Idrissa Gueye burst forward on the right and fired in a low cross. Thierno Barry got to the near post first and poked the ball in for his fourth goal in five league matches.
Barry’s form has turned fast. He managed only one goal in his first 18 appearances, but he has looked far more confident in recent weeks, and Moyes is getting rewarded for sticking with him.
Everton almost took the lead soon after. Gueye, also back from AFCON, hit the crossbar just two minutes after setting up the goal. The hosts kept pushing late on, and substitute Tyler Dibling came close when space opened up.
Leeds still had a chance to snatch it at the end. Justin met a corner with a late header, but it drifted wide.
Match Highlights
- 28′: Leeds go in front, James Justin finishes at the far post after Anton Stach’s cross.
- 31′: Dominic Calvert-Lewin hits the post from close range for Leeds.
- Half-time: Everton head in to boos, with no shots on target.
- Second half: Everton step up after changes, Branthwaite and Dewsbury-Hall help swing momentum.
- Darlow saves: A big stop keeps out Barry’s acrobatic attempt.
- 76′: Barry levels it, finishing from Gueye’s low cross.
- 78′: Gueye rattles the bar for Everton.
- Late moments: Justin’s header goes wide, neither side finds a winner.
The draw stretched Everton’s winless home run to five league matches, but the second-half performance felt like progress after a flat start. Leeds will be pleased with a point on the road, though they will be frustrated that they did not make more of their first-half control.
Everton Team Overview
Everton has mixed proven leaders with younger talent this season, but injuries have often forced changes.
| Position | Player | Notes/Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|
|
Goalkeeper
|
Jordan Pickford | Steady, but couldn’t keep a clean sheet |
|
Defenders
|
James Tarkowski (C) | Led the back line through a tough first half |
| |
Vitaliy Mykolenko | Solid on the left side |
| |
Nathan Patterson | Went off after 71.’ |
|
Midfielders
|
Idrissa Gueye | Set up the equalizer, then hit the bar |
| |
James Garner | Tried to create from deep areas |
| |
Iliman Ndiaye | Direct runs and carry after AFCON return |
|
Forwards
|
Thierno Barry | Scored the equalizer, strong recent form |
|
Substitutes
|
Jarrad Branthwaite | Added stability after the break |
| |
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall | Brought extra legs and drive in midfield |
| |
Tyler Dibling | Nearly made something happen late. |
Moyes’ halftime calls changed the match, and Everton looked far more like themselves after the restart.
Leeds United Team Overview
Leeds United have a balanced side built on hard work and smart additions, with Calvert-Lewin giving them a proven presence up front.
| Position | Player | Notes/Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|
|
Goalkeeper
|
Karl Darlow | Several key saves kept Leeds in it late |
|
Defenders
|
Ethan Ampadu (C) | Organized and strong under pressure |
| |
Joe Rodon | Solid defending for long spells |
| |
Pascal Struijk | Part of the back line was tested in the second half |
| |
Jayden Bogle | High energy on the right |
|
Midfielders
|
Ilia Gruev | Booked, helped set the tempo early |
| |
Anton Stach | Delivered the cross for the opening goal |
| |
James Justin | Scored and nearly won it late |
|
Forwards
|
Dominic Calvert-Lewin | Hit the post, a real threat against his old club |
|
Substitutes
|
Sean Longstaff | Came on late to help see it out |
| |
Facundo Buonanotte | Added a bit of flair late on |
| |
Ao Tanaka | Replaced Gruev |
Farke’s setup gave Leeds control early, but they could not hold Everton back once the game opened up in the second half.
This 1-1 draw summed up how tight the Premier League has been this season. Everton will take confidence from their response and Barry’s scoring run, while Leeds bank another point in their push to stay clear of danger. Everton now head to Brighton next, and Leeds return home to face Arsenal, with every result carrying weight in the weeks ahead.
