Everton 1-1 Leeds: Barry's Late Equalizer Secures Point.
Everton 1-1 Leeds United: Barry's Late Strike Rescues a Point
Everton fought back from a first-half deficit to secure a 1-1 draw against Leeds United in a gripping Premier League encounter at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday, 26 January 2026.
Leeds looked on course for an important away victory after James Justin opened the scoring in the 28th minute. The visitors controlled much of the first half and created several promising opportunities.
However, Everton produced a much-improved performance after the interval.
In-form striker Thierno Barry came to the Toffees' rescue in the 76th minute, finishing from close range to extend his impressive scoring run.
The point was hard-earned for Everton, who had entered the fixture searching for greater consistency at home. Leeds, meanwhile, will look back at the match with frustration after failing to protect their lead despite controlling large portions of the opening half.
Match Overview and Build-Up
Competition: Premier League 2025-26
Date: Monday, 26 January 2026
Venue: Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool
Final Score: Everton 1-1 Leeds United
Everton entered the fixture looking to build momentum under David Moyes, while Leeds arrived hoping to collect valuable points and move further away from the relegation danger zone.
The match quickly developed into an intense and physical contest.
Everton had struggled for consistency at home, while Leeds had shown enough attacking quality to suggest they could cause problems for the Toffees.
Much of the pre-match attention also centred on Thierno Barry, who had been enjoying a productive spell in front of goal following his move from Villarreal.
Barry's growing confidence provided Everton with an important attacking outlet, particularly in a match where the home side initially struggled to create clear chances.
The conditions were typical of an English winter evening, with cool temperatures and damp weather adding to the demanding nature of the contest.
Everton Starting XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Jordan Pickford; Vitaliy Mykolenko, Jarrad Branthwaite, James Tarkowski and others; Idrissa Gueye and other midfield options including Dibling and Garner; Thierno Barry leading the attack.
Everton 1-1 Leeds United, Premier League Highlights: Thierno Barry's Late Strike Earns Vital Point for Toffees
Match Overview and Build-Up
In a gripping Premier League encounter on Monday, January 26, 2026, at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, Everton salvaged a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Leeds United.
The match, part of the 2025-26 season's mid-table battle, saw Leeds take an early lead through James Justin's well-taken goal in the 28th minute, only for Everton's in-form striker Thierno Barry to equalize in the 76th minute with his fourth goal in five league games. This result moved Everton into the top half of the table, providing a much-needed boost under manager David Moyes, while Leeds, despite dominating large spells, remained in the lower reaches and continued their search for consistency.
Hill Dickinson Stadium (formerly Goodison Park in some references) was electric with a near-capacity crowd, despite recent home frustrations for Everton fans—no wins in their last five at the venue entering this fixture. The pitch was in good condition, favoring a fast-paced game, though the weather was typical English winter: cool and damp, with light rain earlier in the day.
Everton entered the match in mixed form, having struggled defensively but showing signs of resurgence through Barry's goalscoring streak following his move from Villarreal. Leeds, managed by Daniel Farke, had been in decent shape but needed points to climb away from relegation concerns. The fixture carried historical rivalry weight, adding intensity to what was expected to be a physical, end-to-end contest.
Everton Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford Defenders: Vitaliy Mykolenko, Jarrad Branthwaite, James Tarkowski, others Midfielders: Idrissa Gueye, others including Dibling, Garner Forwards: Thierno Barry (striker), supported by wingers and attacking mids.
Leeds United Starting XI (approximate 4-3-3): Goalkeeper: Karl Darlow Defenders: Including Sebastiaan Bornauw Midfielders: Anton Stach, others Forwards: Including former Everton man Dominic Calvert-Lewin (on loan or transfer), James Justin in a versatile role.
First Half: Leeds Dominate and Take the Lead
Leeds started the brighter, pressing high and exploiting Everton's sluggish opening. The visitors controlled possession in the early stages, creating chances through quick transitions. Former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin nearly punished his old club, striking the woodwork in a warning sign.
The breakthrough arrived in the 28th minute. Anton Stach delivered a precise low cross from the right wing, cutting across the 18-yard box. James Justin, arriving at pace at the far post, stormed in unmarked and slotted a composed low finish past Pickford into the net. It was Justin's first Premier League goal for Leeds (and since September 2024 in general), rewarding Leeds' dominance and putting them 1-0 up.
Everton looked disjointed, with sloppy defending and limited attacking threat. Barry was isolated upfront, and the Toffees struggled to string passes together. Leeds could have doubled their lead before halftime, but Pickford made key saves to keep it at 1-0 going into the break.
Second Half: Everton Rally and Barry Strikes
Moyes made tactical adjustments at halftime, injecting energy and urgency. Everton came out transformed, winning duels and creating sustained pressure. Barry's movement became a constant threat, while Gueye's engine in midfield drove the team forward.
The equalizer came in the 76th minute. A move down the right saw Gueye overlap and deliver a low, driven cross into the box. Barry timed his run perfectly, getting ahead of defender Sebastiaan Bornauw at the near post. The French striker stabbed the ball goalward, clipping a deft finish over Darlow into the roof of the net from close range. It was a clinical finish, marking Barry's fourth goal in five league appearances and his fifth Premier League strike of the season.
The goal ignited Hill Dickinson Stadium. Everton pushed for a winner, with Gueye nearly providing it moments later—his 20-yard strike cannoning off the crossbar. Leeds defended resolutely, with Darlow making superb saves, including one to deny Barry's trivela effort.
Late substitutions for both sides couldn't force a decisive moment, and the match ended 1-1 after five minutes of added time.
Key Moments and Turning Points
28' – James Justin Goal (Leeds 1-0): Stach's cross found Justin at the far post for a composed finish amid slack defending.
Calvert-Lewin Woodwork: A let-off for Everton early on.
76' – Thierno Barry Equalizer (Everton 1-1): Gueye's low cross met by Barry's smart run and finish.
79' – Gueye Hits the Bar: Everton's best chance for a winner.
Darlow Saves: Multiple stops kept Leeds in the game late on.
Player Performances and Standouts
Thierno Barry (Everton): Man of the Match contender. His goal extended a hot streak, justifying Moyes' faith. Strong hold-up play and intelligent movement.
James Justin (Leeds): Scored a quality opener on his return to scoring form; versatile and influential.
Idrissa Gueye (Everton): Tireless in midfield; provided the assist and nearly won it.
Anton Stach (Leeds): Creative from the right, key in the opener.
Karl Darlow (Leeds): Heroic in goal with crucial saves.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds): Threatening but unlucky with the woodwork.
Tactical Analysis
Leeds' first-half dominance came from high pressing and exploiting Everton's slow build-up. Everton's second-half improvement stemmed from midfield adjustments, better width, and Barry's presence drawing defenders. The draw reflected two halves of contrasting quality—Leeds bossed the first, Everton the second.
Post-Match Reactions
David Moyes: Praised the fightback and Barry's form, noting the need for consistency at home.
Daniel Farke: Disappointed to drop points after leading but acknowledged Everton's second-half pressure.
Barry: Highlighted team spirit and his growing confidence.
Impact on Premier League Standings
Everton climbed into the top half (around 9th-10th) with 26 points from games played, easing pressure. Leeds stayed lower, needing wins to pull clear of trouble. The result kept both competitive in a tight mid-table scrap.
Historical Context and Outlook
This draw echoed past gritty encounters between the sides. Barry's emergence as a key striker offers hope for Everton's survival push, while Leeds' attacking intent under Farke shows promise despite defensive lapses.
A point apiece in a match of two halves—Everton will take momentum forward, Leeds regret not capitalizing on dominance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the Everton vs Leeds score?
Everton and Leeds United drew 1-1 in the Premier League.
Who scored for Everton?
Thierno Barry scored Everton's equaliser in the 76th minute.
Who scored Leeds' goal?
James Justin opened the scoring for Leeds in the 28th minute.
When did Thierno Barry score?
Barry scored in the 76th minute after meeting Idrissa Gueye's low cross.
How many goals has Barry scored recently?
According to the supplied match details, Barry's equaliser was his fourth goal in five league appearances.
Who was Everton's standout player?
Thierno Barry was one of Everton's standout performers after scoring the equaliser and providing a consistent attacking threat.
Who assisted Everton's goal?
Idrissa Gueye provided the delivery for Barry's equalising goal.
Did Dominic Calvert-Lewin score against Everton?
No. The Leeds forward threatened his former club but was unable to score and hit the woodwork.
Did Everton win the match?
No. Everton came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw.
What does the result mean for Leeds?
Leeds will be disappointed after taking the lead and controlling much of the first half. The point keeps them in need of further positive results as they look to move away from danger.
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