By our man at the Hill Dickinson Stadium
MARCELO BIELSA’S Leeds United marched into Merseyside and pulled off a classic Premier League heist, leaving David Moyes and Everton feeling blue on a rainy Monday night.
In a game defined by grit, guts, and a touch of the “former player” curse, it was Tyrese Justin who emerged as the match-winner.
The Leeds star ghosted in at the back post to fire home the only goal of the game, but the headlines will be shared with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who returned to his old stomping ground to lead the line with menacing intent.
The Star Men
While Justin grabbed the goal, the night belonged to the “slippery” duo of Brenden Aaronson and Anton Stach.
The American and German pair ran the show in the middle of the park, leaving Everton’s engine room of Gueye and Garner looking like they were chasing shadows.
Aaronson was the spark plug, finding pockets of space that simply didn’t exist for anyone else.
It was his vision that unlocked the Toffees’ backline time and again, including the move that led to the 28th-minute opener.
DCL’s Double-Edged Sword
All eyes were on Calvert-Lewin.
The former Everton talisman was a physical handful for James Tarkowski and Jake O’Brien. While he didn’t get on the scoresheet—unluckily hitting the post from four yards out after a fizzing Jayden Bogle cross—his “dummy” for the winning goal was a masterclass in spatial awareness.
By dragging the Everton defenders toward the near post, he left the door wide open for Justin to steam in and silence the Goodison faithful.
Pickford’s Defiance
It could have been three or four if not for Jordan Pickford. The England No. 1 was in inspired form, producing a sprawling save early on to deny a stinging effort from Calvert-Lewin.
Despite his heroics, Everton lacked the clinical edge at the other end, with Iliman Ndiaye showing flashes of brilliance but ultimately finding no way through Leeds’ resolute defensive wall led by the tattooed titan Joe Rodon.
The result leaves Leeds looking up the table, while Moyes is left to wonder how a night that promised so much ended in a familiar sinking feeling.
