Dewsbury-Hall: Why Everton Need Aggressive Football At Hill Dickinson Stadium

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall says Everton’s second-half display on Monday night acted as a reminder of how to get the “fans off their feet,” urging the squad to be more “aggressive” to benefit from playing in front of a passionate home crowd at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Blues came from behind against Leeds United last time out, putting in an improved second-half showing to claim a 1-1 draw against Daniel Farke’s visitors.

Returning from a hamstring injury, Dewsbury-Hall was introduced at half-time, helping the Toffees to find a way back into the contest. Thierno Barry netted the equaliser for Everton.

“[It was] probably a game of two halves, really,” Dewsbury-Hall told evertontv. “First half, they were probably the better team. We couldn't really get to grips with the way they were playing, and I thought second half, we were the better team. 

“I just thought we were more aggressive, more on the front foot. [The lads were] getting closer to players, pressing players, and you've seen what happens to the crowd and the atmosphere when we do that. 

“It just comes alive and we feed off that. And then, yeah, I thought we were pretty dominant in the second half.”

Only high-flyers Arsenal and Aston Villa have picked up more away wins this season (both six) than Everton (five), and, aiming to match their excellent away performances at Hill Dickinson Stadium, Dewsbury-Hall believes the Blues players can use the home crowd more effectively to improve results.

“It doesn't take a lot for it to become loud and for fans to get off their feet,” remarked Dewsbury-Hall. “It might only take one tackle, one press. And I think us lads just need to remember that in the back of our head. 

“We don't need to be playing silky football or completely dominating teams, it's being in people's faces, getting aggressive, getting the crowd up and then playing football and showing what we're about.

“So, yes, I think if we start doing that more in the next couple of home games, we're going to pick up better results.”

Monday night’s game represented Dewsbury-Hall’s first taste of action since picking up a hamstring injury at Chelsea in December.

Prior to that, the midfielder was in fine form, notching three goals and one assist across his previous five matches.

On his return, Dewsbury-Hall said: “[It’s an] amazing feeling. I mean, I got injured at the worst possible time for me. I was playing some of my best football and the team was doing really well. 

“It's been tough to watch it for the last six-or-so weeks. I've been wanting to get out there as soon as possible, but I've been working hard to try and get back fit.

“So, it's nice to get the minutes. That first time back on the pitch is always the toughest, but now I'm hoping to kick on now and help the team.”

Along with the returning Dewsbury-Hall, Jarrad Branthwaite featured in the second half on Monday, making his first Premier League appearance since May 2025 after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Charly Alcaraz also returned to the matchday squad, with the return of the previously injured trio bolstering David Moyes’ options.

The strength in depth in the Everton squad should put the Blues in a “favourable position” looking forward, says Dewsbury-Hall, who explained: “We've got a lot of important games coming up, winnable games, and if you look at the league table, we could be sitting in a very favourable position if we get some good results.

“That's two games unbeaten now and the next four or five games are massive for us.

“It can really put a stamp on where we want to finish this year. We've got a lot of players back now and most of the squad's pretty much fit.

“The bench tonight was as strong as it's probably been. Most of the squad's fit now, so the competition's high. 

“A lot of players have played a lot of minutes now because of injuries, so people are wanting to try and play for their place. 

“That should increase the competition and hopefully increase the lads' performances. But look, we've got no excuses now. 

“If we want to do something this season, it's down to us now because we're in a good position. We've got a lot of good games coming up and we've got a fit squad, so it's down to us.”