Everton moved back into the top half of the Premier League table last night after picking up a point against Leeds United.
David Moyes’ side were really poor in the first-half but they had Leeds pinned back for the majority of the second half and probably should’ve won.
Thierno Barry was the standout performer once again, as he netted his fourth goal in his last five Premier League games.
How impressed were you with Thierno Barry vs Leeds United? 👏
Moyes will also be pleased with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s appearance from the bench, as he made his long-awaited return from injury.
Speaking post-match, the Scotsman admitted he really struggled to leave out one Everton player from his starting line-up.
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David Moyes struggled to leave out Merlin Rohl vs Leeds United
Merlin Rohl really impressed in the win against Aston Villa, and it was without a doubt his best game in an Everton shirt.
So, Moyes explained last night that it was a really difficult decision to drop Rohl to the bench.
“The team selection was difficult tonight because we chose not to play Merlin (Rohl), who played very well against Aston Villa,” the Toffees boss said.
“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.
Everton fans, who was your standout performer in the 1-1 draw with Leeds? 🤔
“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.”
Merlin Rohl will find it difficult to get back into the team
With Idrissa Gana Gueye back from the African Cup of Nations, Rohl will find it really difficult to get back into the midfield.
Moyes’ favoured three is Gueye, James Garner and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who all ended the game yesterday.
So, in the limited game time Rohl will now get, he’ll have to make a real impact and force Moyes to start him again.
That’ll be a good thing for the squad, as the increased competition will only up the levels in training at Finch Farm.
The Germany under-21 international can play at right-back, so that may be a better avenue for him to get back into the starting line-up.
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