Leeds United and Everton shared the spoils in a close game at Elland Road last night.
Luis Sinisterra was handed his first Premier League start from coach Jesse Marsch, and the Colombian rewarded his coach with the equaliser, 10 minutes into the second half to cancel out Anthony Gordons 17th minute strike.
Leeds had made one change from the side that lost to Brighton at the weekend and that was Sinisterra replacing Dan James, who dropped to the bench. Everton started with Anthony Gordon, as mounting speculation surrounds the forward of a move to Chelsea. New signing, Neil Maupay was not included through paperwork issues.
The game started quietly with nothing in the way of goal-scoring opportunities at either end, both sides looking to fathom each other out. The first real chance of the game, brought about the first goal. Alex Iwobi slid a ball through for Anthony Gordon to chase, which wrong-footed Diego Llorente leaving Gordon through on goal to slot a fine strike under the legs of Illan Meslier.
It got a lot worse for the home side shortly after when top-scorer Rodrigo tangled with the Everton keeper, Jordan Pickford. The Spaniard leaving the field with a suspected dislocated shoulder, and was replaced by Joe Gelhardt in the attack. Leeds dominated the possession without creating much in the way of chances for themselves, and came up against a resolute Everton defence. A frustrating first half ended 0-1.
The second half started brightly, and Leeds looked to up the tempo and try to get themselves level. Brendan Aaronson forced Pickford into his first stop of the night with a fierce strike on goal after good link-up play with Jack Harrison. The stopper was called into action again shortly after, this time from Harrison who latched onto a low cross from Luis Sinisterra. Leeds were now starting to find their feet and on 55 minutes the equaliser arrived. Sinisterra slotted home well from all of 25 yards into Pickford’s left bottom corner. The strike had sent the keeper the wrong way and he could do nothing but watch helplessly as the ball hit the back of the net. His first Premier League goal for the club, on his first start in the League.
Leeds United’s Luis Sinisterra nets his first Premier League goal for the club in the 1-1 draw v Everton – Elland Road, August 30, 2022.
Everton threatened again as Dwight McNeil dragged a low shot wide of Meslier’s goal and seconds later they thought they had gone in front. Demarai Gray slotting home expertly, only to see the flag raised for offside. After a quick VAR check, it was ruled out for offside. A very close call but the officials got it just about right.
Leeds carried on from their early pressure and Joe Gelhardt really should have done better with a big chance. The ball bobbled about the box and fell to the striker, only to see his shot blocked by the legs of Pickford as he rushed out to close him down. As the game went into the last 20 minutes, Jesse Marsch made a double substitution, and Joe Gelhardt and Brendan Aaronson were replaced by Patrick Bamford and Dan James.
Everton went close again, Rasmus Kristensen had to put his body on the line to block an Amadou Onana strike following a corner. The ball eluded everybody, and fell to the midfielder, 6 yards out, his goal-bound effort smashing the Danish International in the head and bouncing to safety. Moments later, the impressive Nathan Patterson ran free on goal, only for Meslier to make himself big and deny the right-back’s thunderous strike with his huge frame.
Both teams could have won the game as the match drew to a close, but despite their best efforts, the contest ended in a 1-1 draw. The managers left to ponder what could have been as they prepare for the weekend’s fixtures. Leeds travel to Brentford and Everton host Liverpool in the derby.
Leeds player ratings: Meslier (8) Kristensen (6) Koch (7) Llorente (6) Struijk (7) Harrison (7) Adams (8) Roca (7) Aaronson (7) Sinisterra (8) Rodrigo (6)
Subs: Gelhardt (6) Bamford (7) Klich (6)
Booked: Leeds – Adams, Llorente, Kristensen.
Everton – Davies, Gordon, Patterson.
Attendance: 36,338.
What do fans think of the performance against Everton? Let us know in the comments.
Are you a Leeds expert? Try our quiz and find out.