Everton could only draw 1-1 with Leeds United – and there was a missed transfer opportunity on show at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton are back up to 10th in the Premier League table with the draw, but there was more frustration at home for the Toffees.
Leeds charged out of the blocks in the first-half, and gave Everton many problems with their system.
Everton fans, your immediate thoughts on tonight’s 1-1 with Leeds? 🤔
It was certainly a game of two halves…
Moyes’ men were overrun all over the pitch, and it was clear he had to do something at half-time.
And the Scot duly obliged, taking off Harrison Armstrong and Dwight McNeil, and putting on Jarrad Branthwaite and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, with both players back from injury.
This worked, and put wind in Everton’s sails. Thierno Barry equalised, but the home side couldn’t find a winner.
That first-half was a real worry for Everton, and it was interesting to note the effectiveness of James Justin – who was a player the Toffees reportedly looked at signing last summer.
Former Everton target James Justin shines for Leeds at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Everton were in the market for a new right back last summer but ultimately didn’t sign one. The club remain keen to strengthen in this position.
James Justin was a player Everton looked at, following Leicester City’s relegation to the Championship.
But a move never materialised, and Justin joined Leeds for an initial fee of £8 million, with a further £2 million in potential add-ons (via BBC Sport).
He had some injury problems to start the season, but Justin is now looking a real astute bit of business from Leeds, and he gave Everton a torrid time last night playing as a wing-back.
Everton fans, who was your standout performer in the 1-1 draw with Leeds? 🤔
He had five shots in the game, four of which came in the first-half. One of those, of course, found the back of the net, as he steamed in at the back post.
Justin also made six tackles, which was the most of any player in the game. Only Dominic Calvert-Lewin contested more (23) than his 18 duels.
- READ MORE: Everton player ratings vs Leeds, Thierno Barry rescues Toffees but there’s one 2/10 after 1-1 draw
Justin could have been a great signing for Everton
At the moment Everton are in dire need of a new right-back. The club also need a new left-back with Vitality Mykolenko flattering to deceive.
We saw Everton go to a back three last night with wing-backs, so having a player like Justin – who is so versatile – would have been absolutely ideal.
And the verdict Daniel Farke gave about Justin further suggests Everton really missed out.
He said (via leedsunited.com): “James Justin perfectly embodies this (how Leeds players work unselfishly). Wherever I need him, right-back, left-back, centre-back, right wing-back, left wing-back – he always delivers.
“He more or less embodies all what this group is all about. With this attitude and this mentality we have a chance to achieve something great.”
Given his versatility and physical attributes, and the fact he has a lot of Premier League experience, Moyes would surely have loved him and it’s a shame there was seemingly no big push to snap him up.
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox
