Everton's Second Half Surge and Squad Analysis After Leeds Victory

Branthwaite's return and substitutions proved decisive as Everton found their rhythm in the final stages against Leeds, highlighting the importance of quality in depth.

After rewatching the Everton versus Leeds United match, it's clear we didn't play particularly well in the second half until about the last 20 minutes. The game shifted in our favour largely through the introduction of two quality players off the bench who made all the difference when it mattered most.

Game-Changing Substitutions

Branthwaite's ability to get on the ball, find a blue shirt and offer an option to recycle possession was absolutely key to our improved performance. Meanwhile, KDH's movement in tight spaces through the middle helped knit things together in a way that had been missing earlier in the match. These two changes transformed our entire approach and gave us the platform we needed to push for the result.

While Pickford remains a quality goalkeeper who bails us out near enough every week, he really needs to address his tendency to just launch the ball up the pitch every time he gets it. It rarely goes even close to one of our players and we needlessly give possession back to the opposition. These are the little details that Moyes and his coaching staff should be working to iron out of the team's play.

Branthwaite's Importance Cannot Be Overstated

Seeing Branthwaite back fills me with confidence for what's ahead. Now he's had surgery and proper rest, hopefully that particular injury nightmare is behind him. Being his height and still a young lad probably hasn't helped with his physical development, but his body appears to have adapted and he can really kick on from here.

He's by far and away our best defender, but what he brings with the ball at his feet is absolutely priceless. Capable with both feet, he opens up many more passing angles and isn't afraid of punching it through the lines to get us going on the attack. His lovely ball fizzed into KDH, another clipped down the line to Mykolenko, and that pass to Idrissa showed exactly what we've been missing. If Moyes has any sense, he'll get Ndiaye back on his favoured flank so he can get on the end of these types of deliveries and do some real damage.

Individual Performances and Development

Fair play to Barry for his finishing in recent weeks - his last two finishes were far from easy chances. However, he desperately needs to get into the gym and build himself up physically. He's so weak on the ball with his hold-up play, and that's something he can definitely improve upon with dedicated work.

Dibling looked bright when he came on and hopefully he can build some confidence from those moments. He should be working all week on hitting the byline and getting crosses in with his right foot. He's like Grealish in that he prefers to check back onto his stronger foot, which can become predictable. The difference is Grealish is built like a unit rather than looking like a young lad still filling out. With Grealish currently out, Moyes needs to give Dibling proper minutes alongside our better players. Playing with KDH and Ndiaye will give him a much better chance of building momentum.

Squad Rebuilding and Future Direction

I sincerely hope that was the last time we see McNeil start a game for us. I'm sick to death of watching players who offer absolutely nothing to the team's development. We've nearly cleared out the cohort of relegation battlers and replaced them with competent footballers. The time has come to move on Mykolenko, McNeil, and Beto to really kick forward. There was no reason this couldn't have been done in the current window, unless we're still treading carefully around PSR regulations.

Finally, Jimmy Garner continues to be brilliant for this club. He didn't have his best game against Leeds, but you can never fault the lad's effort and commitment. Never seen jogging around, always working hard to get back in position or win the ball back. The news that we've managed to secure him to a new contract is absolutely brilliant and shows the club's commitment to building around the right characters.

Written by BlueNose1878 January 28 2026 13:58:14