Barry & Garner Give Takeaways From Late Leeds Draw

Thierno Barry says his late leveller against Leeds United on Monday evening arrived as a result of consistent hard work "every day" on the training ground at Finch Farm.

The Toffees’ striker’s poked near-post finish on 76 minutes at Hill Dickinson Stadium was his fourth goal across his past five matches – this one sealing a point for Everton after James Justin’s first-half opener.

Set up by returning AFCON winner Idrissa Gana Gueye – Barry, reflecting on his goal after the 1-1 draw – said: “I just saw Gana in a good position for a cross. And I was attentive and I finished the goal.”

The young forward, finding an impressive run of form, believes his improving displays are down to his preparation on the training field.

“I played in Spain last season, so it's not the same competition,” Barry continued, discussing how he’s settled into Premier League football.

“I just need to work every day to be ready [to score on matchdays]. I worked all the days [this week], so I'm happy.”

Barry was joined in his post-match interview by James Garner, who commended Everton’s improved second-half display.

The Blues squad was bolstered by returning AFCON winners Gana and Iliman Ndiaye, along with hamstring injury absentees Jarrad Branthwaite, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Charly Alcaraz.

Branthwaite – making his first competitive appearance since the end of last season – was introduced at half-time, and so too was Dewsbury-Hall for his first minutes since December.

“I think in the first half, we were sloppy,” admitted Garner. “We weren’t quite at the races, so we had to change something in the second half, and the manager did. 

“He brought on two subs, and I think you see it in the second half, we were a much better team and probably should have won it.

“[The manager wanted] just a little bit more tempo. We were losing a lot of second balls in midfield, so he changed the formation a little bit. 

“He just wanted an overall better performance going into the second half.”

Garner – who committed his long-term future to Everton last week by signing a new four-and-a-half year contract with the Club – featured for the full 90 minutes against Daniel Farke’s Leeds.

Only Arsenal and Aston Villa have picked up more away wins this season (both six) than David Moyes’ Everton (five), and Garner is keen for the Toffees to match their excellent away performances at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

“We'll have to take the point, and we'll have to move on,” he added.

“We need to start putting in the performances at home as well now. We're very good away, so we need to bring that form home and start picking up points here.”