It’s quite obvious why Everton are struggling to win at the Hill Dickinson Stadium

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Everton were held to a score draw at home to relegation-threatened side Leeds United on Monday night.

The Toffees failed to break down Leeds and find the winner despite a much-improved performance in the second half when David Moyes changed the shape.

The reality is that Everton are really struggling to win games at the Hill Dickinson Stadium this season, and they are actually 14th in the Premier League home table.

The Toffees have won just four of their 12 games at the new 52,000-seater, which is holding them back in the race for Europe.

So, why exactly are Everton underperforming at home? Well, there’s quite an obvious answer to that question.

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Everton are struggling when they have to attack the game

Moyes was always fearful of leaving Goodison Park, as he’s previously pointed out the concerning records of other teams at their new stadiums.

But, this isn’t a Hill Dickinson Stadium issue. It’s quite clear that when the Toffees have the onus on them to attack the game, they struggle.

At home, there is an expectation for Moyes’ side to take the game to the opposition and really go for the three points.

And, in truth, that’s not really the Scotsman’s strongest part of his philosophy, as his teams thrive playing counter-attacking football.

Just look at the away record as evidence. No team in the division, apart from Arsenal and Aston Villa, have won more games on the road than the Toffees this season.

So, to correct their home form going forward, perhaps there should be an acceptance that counter-attacking football can be an option when required.

Everton would benefit from signing a playmaker

Another factor in Everton’s poor home form could be the fact that they don’t really have an out-and-out number 10.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has played that role really well this season and looked great off the bench last night.

But, he is a different kind of attacking midfielder, and it was quite evident last night that the Toffees missed a nimble playmaker who could operate in the half spaces and open up the game with incisive passes.

Moyes has looked at Imran Louza this winter, who is a highly technical left-footed creator in the Championship.

But, there’s been no further development on that deal, and it seems as though the focus is on signing a Jack Grealish replacement.