Everton vs Leeds United Player Ratings: Thierno Barry continues rich scoring form | OneFootball

Everton’s winless streak at Hill Dickinson Stadium continued with a 1-1 draw against Leeds United on Monday night.

Thierno Barry scored his fourth goal in his last five league games to rescue a point for the Blues after James Justin scored the opener for Daniel Farke’s side in the first half. Everton continue to be 10th in the league table, five points away from the top four.

Although the hosts began on a strong note, it was Leeds United that dominated the first half. Former Toffee Dominic Calvert-Lewin had an early chance but his effort was saved by Jordan Pickford. The visitors got their breakthrough when Anton Stach’s low cross from the left was met by Justin at the back post at the 28th-minute mark. Calvert-Lewin then struck the post from Jayden Bogle’s cross.

Following the tepid first half, David Moyes brought on Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jarrad Branthwaite at half-time. Both players were returning from long injury layoffs. The Blues began finding more joy after switching to a wing-back formation and Iliman Ndiaye had his shot blocked in the box.

Barry scored the equaliser after capitalising on Idrissa Gana Gueye’s low cross from the left. The latter came agonisingly close to scoring the winner but his shot bounced off the crossbar.

Here are Everton’s player ratings in the 1-1 draw with Leeds United:

Jordan Pickford: 7

Made himself big to thwart Dominic Calvert-Lewin from finding the back of the net early in the contest. There was little he could do about James Justin’s goal though.

Nathan Patterson (replaced by Tyler Dibling at 71’): 5.5

Patterson did alright and produced some decent interceptions. Leeds were overloading on his side and he didn’t really get a lot of help on occasions. Was replaced by Tyler Dibling in the 71st minute.

James Tarkowski: 6

Tarkowski could’ve probably done better on a couple of occasions when he let Calvert-Lewin get in front of him easily in the first half. However, he had a much better second half and held his ground against his former teammate.

Jake O’Brien: 6

Had strong defensive numbers in the first half, moved to right-back when Jarrad Branthwaite came on after the break.

Vitalii Mykolenko: 4.5

It was a poor outing from the Ukrainian as several of Leeds United’s breaks came from his flank. He was run ragged by Jayden Bogle and his contribution in possession still remains dreadful. Wonder what Adam Aznou has to do to get his chance.

Idrissa Gana Gueye: 7

Having led his country to AFCON glory last weekend, Gana was also instrumental in securing a point for his side. He provided the excellent cross that was converted by Barry and Gana also struck the crossbar just two minutes later.

Besides the goal contributions, Gana did look off the pace a bit, especially in the first half but that’s expected after the gruelling schedule he has had in recent weeks.

James Garner: 6.5

Garner was unusually quiet in the first half and unable to dictate proceedings in midfield. Improved as Everton gained control after the break.

Harrison Armstrong (replaced by Jarrad Branthwaite at half time): 5

Armstrong seemed like a peripheral figure for large parts of the first half and failed to have the kind of influence he has had in recent games, particularly at Villa Park. Was taken off at half-time.

Dwight McNeil (replaced by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall at half time): 4

Had 12 touches of the ball in the first half and was barely involved in the game. Failed to track the run of James Justin for Leeds’ opener and was sluggish in possession. Didn’t give Patterson enough protection defensively and offered very little in the final third.

Thierno Barry (replaced by Beto at 89’): 7

After a woeful first half, Thierno Barry came alive after the break. The French striker forced a good save off Karl Darlow with a clever outside-the-boot shot. He kept plugging away at the Leeds backline and his persistence paid off as he struck the roof of the net with a composed finish from Gana’s cross. It was his fourth goal from his last five league games and after a quiet start to life on Merseyside, he seems to be finding his confidence.

Iliman Ndiaye: 6

With Jack Grealish out injured, Ndiaye was thrust into the left flank, where he operated for most of last season. While he did well, the Senegalese missed that extra bit of quality and flair that he usually possesses. Had a couple of shots blocked in the second half.

Substitutions

Jarrad Branthwaite: 7

It takes a certain pedigree of a footballer to suffer devastating injuries, miss the entire first half of the season and still come on and look like you’ve been playing for months. Even outside his defensive contributions, he brings so much in possession. Branthwaite was comfortable carrying the ball and also broke defensive lines at ease with his passes.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall: 7

Also making his return from a hamstring injury, Dewsbury-Hall looked involved and operated well in tight spaces. He provided impetus in the final and contributed to the build-up to Barry’s goal.

Tyler Dibling: 5.5

Passed up a late opportunity to shoot with his weak foot. While he was full of tricks and turns, Dibling needs more composure and better decision-making in the final third.

Beto: N/A

Reader Comments (7)

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Jon Harding 2 Posted 27/01/2026 at 09:21:28

Give it up with the half marks, would you!

McNeil lucky to get 4. He should either play on the left or not at all. C'mon Moyesey, we all know that.

And absolute priority signings are two new full backs, even ahead of a striker.

Good to see some of the lads back from injury. Feeling optimistic for a change. UTT

George Cumiskey 4 Posted 27/01/2026 at 10:17:23

I thought 5.5 was a little high for Dibling he was shocking never crossed one ball into the box and just kept running into a brick wall.

John Williams 5 Posted 27/01/2026 at 10:31:52

Everton are a Jekyll & Hyde side, one week good, next week bad.

I was surprised Branthwaite and KDH ended up playing,as I am sure they are not fully fit, but needs must.

Hopefully, we can have a near full squad available now and be more consistent.

Paul Murray 6 Posted 27/01/2026 at 10:42:11

How about managers marks first half zero

Second half 6 why take Patto off an attacking full back in a 3 at back and leave ukraines finest on. The game was screaming for aznou to come on in that system. Moyes imo has done what exactly what we needed when he came in and there’s no doubt we have improved from previous seasons but if we want to keep kicking on we need a fresh young ambitious manager who actually try’s to win games. One name fabregas