Everton pegged back twice in 2-2 Elland Road thriller

After an entertaining and fierce high-tempo tussle at Leeds United, Everton were in the end forced to accept a 2-2 draw and only a point despite having twice led in the game.

In some ways this will feel like that classic draw that seems a little more of a defeat as Everton lost the lead on two separate occasions to be ultimately held at Elland Road.

On the plus side at least the Toffees are still unbeaten and it was always going to be a big early test going to Leeds to play a good side in their first home game in front of their fanatical support since they were promoted last year.

One thing, if I had anything to do with it Raphina would never play against Everton ever again. He’s a real pest after he scored against the Blues for the third consecutive Premier League game to secure the home team a point that in all honesty they probably did deserve.

As expected Leeds began well and were very much on the front foot early on controlling possession but the Toffees held firm and generally looked pretty solid.

As well they were offering a real counter-attacking threat and it was Everton who went ahead after a controversial penalty shout was upheld by VAR and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the player fouled, cooly slotted it in before winding up the home fans with his celebration.

The atmoshere, which hardly needed any boosting as expected, was given a further edge by a really combatative game with both teams giving no quarter. In particular Yerry Mina and Leeds striker Patrick Bamford were having a running battle for much of the match.

In fact it was all a little reminescent of the old-school clashes between these two clubs, particularly in the sixties, games which were often so aggresive and physical that it once led a ref to take both teams off for a while to cool down.

The fans too were making lots of noise and creating a great atmosphere. It’s only been two games of the season, but it’s already so good to see supporters back and the noise in grounds seems extra loud as if to make up for a year without them.

Despite losing that goal the home team kept coming forward as they always do and just before the break got an equaliser, again from a defensive error.

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Just like last week Micheal Keane once more made a mistake failing to get to a though ball and let Leeds back in it for Mateusz Klich to finish well.

After half-time the game resumed where it had left off but just like last week the Blues upped their performance and were enjoying their best spell with Demarai Gray especially having an outstanding match probing and prompting and showcasing his pace and direct running ability.

Five minutes after the re-start after collecting Abdoulaye Doucoure’s pass, he made a great feint and then beat the Leeds keeper with an excellent strike across him and it was 2-1 to Everton.

Could the away team hold on, the answer was no. Eventually Leeds pressure told and Raphina got his customary goal against the Toffees to force a draw.

Calvert-Lewin had a several more good chances but couldn’t take them so four points from their opening two fixtures is a decent return for Everton even if it should really have been six.