Leeds United senior figures had a reunion with one familiar name at Everton
Leeds United will wake up this morning satisfied with an away point at Everton, perhaps with a hint of regret that it wasn’t more. But that’s four points taken off a Premier League regular home and away – a good return.
James Justin’s goal was ultimately cancelled out by Thierno Barry’s clever finish in the second period, in what was very much a game of two halves. The 1-1 draw sees Leeds go six points clear of West Ham United in 18th – which is better than five.
They came to yet another top flight stalwart and managed to bag a result – something not to be sniffed at. That’s now one defeat in 10 games. Leeds continue to roll on their momentum with Arsenal in town on Saturday.
First, here are a few moments fans may have missed throughout Monday’s match.
Key figures in attendance
Paraag Marathe was present for the game, alongside sporting director Adam Underwood and managing director Robbie Evans. They were led into the press facilities by Angus Kinnear, the former Leeds CEO, now in charge at Everton.
Ironically, he started his Everton role just weeks before it was announced that Dominic Calvert-Lewin would leave as a free agent. Evans and Underwood have been busy this month, not least with their pursuit of Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.
The pair gave a nod to some Leeds club staff with some shaking the hands of Tony Dorigo, on LUTV duty for the night. Kinnear was seemingly giving the special guests a tour of the facilities – which will be of great interest amid the stadium expansion plans.
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Stadium sights
On the stadium, it was mighty impressive – a real juggernaut of the modern stadia industry. Airport-style security walk-throughs, self-scan ticket entry with up-to-the-minute messaging on small screens and a fan zone with chants coming through the speakers – all of it very new age.
Notably, there were things to do ahead of kick-off inside the stadium footprint. Whether it was the fan zone, easily-accessible food stalls or just the generally enough room to stand, have a chat and take in the scenes – it worked.
Part of the hope for the Elland Road extension is to avoid the heavy influx of match-goers and the clogging up of roads by bringing supporters to the ground early to enjoy facilities, thereby spreading out the arrival of fans.
That, the seat views, the branding, the ease of access and the general flow of operations were first class. Leeds and their executives will have learned a lot from the visit.
Other bits spotted
Jermaine Beckford was swamped and glad-handed by a stream of guests in the press room, having been a player of both parishes. He was a special guest invitee for the night.
Lukas Nmecha went over to an Everton fan behind the goal to apologise for a wayward shot in the warm up. He finished every other of his practice shots. Wilfried Gnonto clapped as the PA announcer congratulated Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye on winning the African Cup of Nations with Senegal.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin received a few boos as his name was read out over the PA system pre-match. Jayden Bogle and Iliman Ndiaye were seen having a chat when Thierno Barry went down injured inside the first 13 minutes.
Later on, Joe Rodon would tell the Everton attacker to get up after felling him in a duel in the build up to the opener.
Towards the end of the game, Dominic Calvert-Lewin came off the field thinking he was being taken off – only for someone to tell him, no, he’s staying on.
