Everton drew 1-1 with Leeds on Monday night, missing the chance to move back into the top half.
David Moyes’ side again stumbled at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but showed good character to come from behind.
Everton fans, who was your standout performer in the 1-1 draw with Leeds? 🤔
James Justin – who praised Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s impact after the game – put Leeds ahead after a move down the right side, and in truth the visitors could have gone in at half-time with a big lead such was their dominance.
But Everton battled back in the second-half, with Moyes wrestling back control in the game after changing the system at half-time.
Thierno Barry scored his fourth goal in five games to get Everton level. The home side pushed for a winner but it never came.
Following the game, a worrying statistic came to light for Everton.
- READ MORE: Everton player ratings vs Leeds, Thierno Barry rescues Toffees but there’s one 2/10 after 1-1 draw
David Moyes will be ‘cross’ as new Everton statistic emerges
Everton have done well defensively overall this season.
Only David Raya and Robert Sanchez have kept more clean sheets than Jordan Pickford so far, which is decent going.
But there is one aspect of Everton’s defensive work that is a cause for concern – and that is dealing with crosses.
As per the Premier League, the goal that Justin scored last night means Everton have now conceded nine times from crosses in the league this season.
Everton fans, your immediate thoughts on tonight’s 1-1 with Leeds? 🤔
It was certainly a game of two halves…
This is the joint-most in the division, alongside West Ham United.
This is a poor reflection on all the defenders. But there is a particular spotlight on the full-backs, who need to be doing more to stop those crosses from coming in.
Stat exposes Everton’s need new full-backs
It has been clear for some time, but this statistic further supports the notion that Everton need new full-backs this year.
It is probably unlikely to happen in this window, even though it was previously claimed right and left-back were priority positions.
But certainly in the summer Everton need to be addressing these positions.
Vitaliy Mykolenko continues to frustrate with his performances, and it is questionable whether Nathan Patterson can be a long term option.
Jake O’Brien has filled in at right-back, but we’ve recently been reminded how much better he is in his natural position.
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