Everton rescued a point late on as Idrissa Gana Gueye provided the decisive assist in a 1-1 Premier League draw with Leeds United at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Trailing for much of Monday night’s contest, the Toffees avoided defeat in the final match of the 23rd round of fixtures thanks to Thierno Barry’s equaliser, set up by the Senegal international midfielder, who recently returned from an impressive Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco.
The result offered some relief for Everton but did little to ease growing frustration among the home supporters.
David Moyes’ side are now without a win in five consecutive matches in all competitions at home and missed the chance to close the gap on the European places.
Leeds United, more threatening in the first half, took a deserved lead during a spell of sustained pressure.
Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, making his 271st appearance for the club, failed to connect with a cross from Anton Stach, and the loose ball fell kindly for James Justin, who finished from close range to make it 1-0 in the 28th minute.
FT. Barry’s second-half strike earns a share of the points.
[1-1] #EVELEE pic.twitter.com/JHLvUlMTCw
— Everton (@Everton) January 26, 2026
The newly promoted visitors largely controlled the opening 45 minutes, forcing Everton to retreat and defend deep.
However, the momentum shifted after the break, with the hosts emerging with greater urgency and purpose.
Everton created their clearest chances in the second half, most notably through Thierno Barry.
The French forward produced a skilful outside-of-the-boot effort in the 63rd minute, only to be denied by a sharp reflex save from Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
Barry’s persistence was rewarded in the 76th minute.
Idrissa Gueye, dictating play in midfield, delivered a precise pass that opened up the Leeds defence, allowing Barry to slot home the equaliser.
The goal capped another influential display from the 36-year-old, who continues to play a central role for Everton following his return from international duty.
The closing stages were tense, with Leeds pushing for a late winner and Everton seeking to complete the turnaround.
Despite the visitors’ late pressure, neither side was able to find a decisive second goal.
The draw leaves Everton, currently 16th in the Premier League, with eight draws this season.
Attention now turns to a daunting challenge on Saturday, when they host league leaders Arsenal, a side that handed them a heavy 5-0 defeat in the reverse fixture earlier in the campaign.
