Leeds United 2-2 Everton: Michael Keane again the villain, Dominic Calvert-Lewin continues hot start to season

The Blues led twice at Elland Road but were pegged back on each occasion by Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin celebrates Everton’s opening goal against Leeds. Picture: Jan Kruger/Getty ImagesDominic Calvert-Lewin celebrates Everton’s opening goal against Leeds. Picture: Jan Kruger/Getty Images
Dominic Calvert-Lewin celebrates Everton’s opening goal against Leeds. Picture: Jan Kruger/Getty Images

Everton were held to a 2-2 draw with Leeds United in a pulsating affair at Elland Road.

Rafa Benitez’s side led twice - either side of half-time - through a Dominic Calvert-Lewin penalty and Demarai Gray’s first goal for the club.

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But the Whites responded on both occasions, through Mateusz Klich and Raphina.

The heroes

- Dominic Calvert-Lewin: The striker won the penalty following a clumsy challenge from Leeds defender Liam Cooper and then dusted himself down to score the spot kick himself. He came close later in the game too, but saw his effort saved by goalkeeper Illan Meslier.

-Demarai Gray: The summer signing from Bayern Leverkusen made an encouraging debut last week and stepped up again. He was a menace in the first half before arrowing home an excellent angled finish for Everton’s second goal.

- Raphina: The Brazilian was Leeds’ chief attacking threat all afternoon. He rifled home an unstoppable effort to earn the hosts a point and continued to threaten for a winner afterwards.

The villains

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- Michael Keane: We’re only into the second week of the season - yet the centre-half appears on the list again. After being caught in possession in the lead up to Southampton’ goal last week, Keane was again in the firing line. He got his position all wrong when marking Patrick Bamford, which led to Klich’s effort.

Mateusz Klich scored Leeds’ first goal against Everton. Picture: Marc Atkins/Getty ImagesMateusz Klich scored Leeds’ first goal against Everton. Picture: Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Mateusz Klich scored Leeds’ first goal against Everton. Picture: Marc Atkins/Getty Images

- Liam Cooper: The Leeds defender could protest his innocence all he wanted. But it was clear he was tugging on Calvert-Lewin’s shirt and referee Darren England won’t give many easier penalties when reviewing VAR footage.

- Seamus Coleman: Wasted a good opportunity in the closing stages when he opted to go for goal outside the area rather than pick out a team-mate queuing to his left. The captain’s effort went well wide.

Player ratings

Leeds (4-1-4-1): Meslier 7, Struijk 6, Firpo 6 (Shakleton 60; 5), Ayling 6, Cooper 5, Harrison 6, Klich 6 (Roberts 60; 5), Phillips 6, Dallas 6, Raphinha 8, Bamford 6.

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Everton (4-4-2): Pickford 6, Coleman 6, Keane 5, Mina 6, Digne 6, Iwobi 7 (Townsend 75; 5), Allan 7, Doucouré 8, Gray 8 (Delph 83), Richarlison 6, Calvert-Lewin 7 (Kean 90).

What’s next for Everton

Rafa Benitez is likely to make changes when the Toffees travel to Huddersfield in the Carabao Cup second round on Tuesday night.

The Blues then make the trip to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League next Saturday.