LIVERPOOL – In a thrilling encounter at Goodison Park, French forward Thierno Barry netted his fourth goal in five matches, securing a 1-1 draw for Everton against Leeds United on Monday.

Leeds dominated the first half, breaking the deadlock in the 28th minute. Anton Stach delivered a precise low cross from the right, which found James Justin at the far post. Justin pounced on the opportunity with a composed low strike to give Leeds the lead.

Just moments later, Dominic Calvert-Lewin nearly doubled the advantage for Leeds. However, his effort from close range cruelly rattled the post, leaving the scoreline unchanged. The visitors’ dominance was evident, as they registered more shots in the opening half — a total of 10 — than they had managed in any league fixture since September 2021.

In response to Leeds’ early control, Everton’s coach David Moyes made a tactical adjustment during the break, opting for a back three. This shift revitalized the home side’s performance in the second half.

Everton’s Thierno Barry was denied an earlier equalizer by Leeds’ goalkeeper Karl Darlow. Meanwhile, Iliman Ndiaye, freshly returned from his Africa Cup of Nations triumph with Senegal, also threatened to score for the hosts.

Ultimately, it was Barry who broke through, securing the equalizer for Everton just 14 minutes from the final whistle, ensuring a share of the spoils in a hard-fought contest.

The big forward got in front of a Leeds defender to stab home a low cross from Idrissa Gueye, another of Everton’s returning Senegal contingent.

Still, the draw was a blow to Everton’s European hopes. A win would have taken it into seventh, but it remained in 10th, one of four teams on 33 points.

Leeds moved to 26 points, six above the Premier League relegation zone and two points behind the clubs above it, Tottenham and Crystal Palace.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer