Everton missed an opportunity to build on the win over Aston Villa against Leeds United, and David Moyes explained why he took Harrison Armstrong off at half-time.
The Toffees again stumbled at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with the game finishing 1-1.
It was certainly a game of two halves, with Everton starting really poorly and Leeds dominating.
Everton fans, your immediate thoughts on tonight’s 1-1 with Leeds? 🤔
It was certainly a game of two halves…
Their wing-backs caused havoc, and James Justin opened the scoring after arriving at the back post to convert Jayden Bogle’s cross.
Moyes then changed up the system to match Leeds’, with Jarrad Branthwaite and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall both coming on at half-time.
One player who was taken off was Harrison Armstrong, who Moyes spoke about after the game.
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David Moyes admits Harrison Armstrong had difficult night for Everton vs Leeds
Armstrong again got the nod for Everton from the start, and deservedly so after his fine display against Aston Villa.
Unfortunately though, Armstrong struggled against Leeds in that first-half, with Daniel Farke’s side often bypassing the Toffees midfield with free-flowing football.
Armstrong also couldn’t really get on the ball and make things happen as the most advanced midfielder for the hosts.
Moyes was asked about his tactical change at half-time and the decision to hook Armstrong, and the Scot admitted it had been a difficult night for the teen.
He said in his post-match press conference: “I thought Harrison had done enough to start the game. But again, he’s what 18, 19 so it’s a lot to ask. Leeds are a strong powerful team.
“So it was quite a difficult night for him in the first-half. But he wasn’t necessarily any worse than many others. It was just that I had to find a way of getting someone who might give me a chance of getting back in the game.”
As per Sofascore data, Armstrong completed just 11/13 (85%) passes, and had only 20 touches – Dwight McNeil was the only player who had fewer of the players who started for Everton.
Frustration for Armstrong as David Moyes decision looms
With Moyes still debating whether to send Armstrong back on loan to Preston, this was a frustrating night for Armstrong.
He got the nod to start and that was the right call. But he couldn’t take his chance, and in all honesty he couldn’t have any complaints being taken off at half-time.
Everton fans, who was your standout performer in the 1-1 draw with Leeds? 🤔
Moyes had to do something to change the momentum in the game, and really he was the only player he would have taken off.
We’ll now see if this game will have a bearing on Armstrong’s immediate future.
With Dewsbury-Hall back in the picture now, it will in theory be a lot more difficult for the youngster to get minutes.
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