David Moyes stated that the return of key players was a major reason for Everton's victory over Leeds United, and it will be decisive for the team's trajectory in the remainder of the season. Everton took the lead in the 28th minute against Daniel Falk's team at Hill Dickinson Stadium thanks to a goal from James Justin.  

In the second half, Everton's performance improved significantly, with Thieno Barry equalizing the score – his fourth goal in five league appearances. After halftime, David Moyes brought on Jarard Branswain and Kiernan Duusbury-Hall, both recently recovered from hamstring injuries, and the team immediately intensified their attack, tenaciously returning to the game.  

Speaking about the adjustments made after halftime, Everton manager David Moyes said: "I think the players we brought on were more capable, and they were all involved in the game, which gave us more control. Our passing and possession improved, but we are still not at our best. We still didn't create enough chances, and our scoring opportunities were limited."  

“Jarald Branswain and Kiernan Diussbury-Hall are both key players for the club, but they were not ready to play before. Jarrald Branswain has not played a competitive match for a long time. Although he has been training, he has been out of action for almost eight months. As for Kiernan Diussbury-Hall, he has been playing, but he had a hamstring injury before. I am sure he is fine now.”  

“We have to put our players on the pitch and try new tactics in hopes of turning the game around. Leeds United outperformed us in the first half. While I wouldn’t say they completely controlled the game, they certainly dominated most of it.”  

“The starting lineup selection tonight was very difficult because we didn’t play Merlin Roll, who performed brilliantly against Aston Villa. We believe that bringing James Garner back was the right decision. Obviously, Kiernan Diussbury-Hall’s ability and technique are crucial to the team; he can both assist and score goals.”  

"Making adjustments at halftime is not easy, but I think it's the way to turn things around. Fortunately, the players eventually got us a point. Now we need to find a way to win at home because the team's form is still not ideal."  

“I’m satisfied with our performance in the second half. The team controlled the game better, and perhaps we should have scored a goal. As for whether we scored two goals, I’m not sure. However, considering that we could have been 0-2 down at halftime, we made adjustments and tried to revitalize the team. In the final moments of the second half, we hit the crossbar, and the opposing goalkeeper made a brilliant save. Compared to the first half, we created one or two more chances in the second half.”  

Thieno Barry scored the winning goal against Aston Villa in the previous round, and had also scored against Brentford and Nottingham Forest. In this match, he received a cross from James Garner on the right wing, volleyed it into the net, and celebrated the goal in front of the ecstatic South Stand.  

When asked if the 23-year-old summer signing could score again, David Moyes said: "We would be very happy if he could score, that's the most important thing. We hope he adapts quickly, and he is gradually getting used to the requirements of a Premier League striker. His training has improved significantly, and he is getting used to the responsibilities he needs to take on at Everton. Of course, we also hope he can make an impact in crucial moments of the game."  

Image source: Internet/Everton official website