Everton player ratings vs Leeds United: Gray shines but Keane falters in 2-2 draw

Having disposed off Southampton, Everton went to the hunt to capture Leeds United but took only one point from the tie as Rafa Benitez’s men drew 2-2 against Marcelo Bielsa’s side at Elland Road. The Toffees were in the lead twice but the Peacocks managed to squeeze out a draw. There were encouraging signs from Everton but there’s still some holes which leaves them vulnerable.

On paper, Rafa Benitez lined up his troops in a 4-2-3-1 set-up with Dominic Calvert-Lewin leading the line. The Spaniard ringed a couple of changes from last weekend as Yerry Mina came in place of Mason Holgate and Andros Townsend made way for Alex Iwobi.

Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure sat in front of the defence whereas Richarlison, Demarai Gray, and Iwobi formed a fluid attacking trio.  However, the shape on the field was 4-4-2 with Richarlison and DCL up front, Iwobi and Gray as wide options.

Benitez should be satisfied with the performance, though the issues in defence need to be addressed as Mina and Keane faltered in the game. Everton seem to be missing Ben Godfrey (A LOT).

Here are the Everton player ratings:

Jordan Pickford – 7

Jordan Pickford could have done very little to stop Mateusz Klich from scoring. It was a one on one heavily in favour of the attacker. Apart from that, Pickford was composed and covered his area well. Kept few tricky crosses out but couldn’t have saved Raphinha’s piledriver.