MATCH REPORT: LEEDS UNITED 1-2 EVERTON

Photo credit: AP

Everton continued their impressive away record with a 2-1 win at Elland Road.

Gylfi Sigurdsson finished off a well-worked move on nine minutes before Dominic Calvert-Lewin ended his goal drought in the league with a diving header.

Raphinha pulled a goal back for Leeds early in the second half after Mason Holgate failed to clear but the Toffees held out for their seventh away win in the Premier League this season.

After a hugely disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle on the weekend, Carlo Ancelotti’s side were determined to bounce back at a ground that has been very unkind to them in the past, with just two league wins there in 70 years.

But the players didn’t let this faze them with a hugely energetic performance, particularly in the first half.

Andre Gomes was particularly impressive, and it was his superb lofted pass that allowed Lucas Digne in down the left flank and his drilled cross was easily swept home by Sigurdsson for Everton’s opener.

The Blues survived a scare midway through the first half when Ezgjan Alioski’s 20-yard volley stung the post but were otherwise in control for the opening 45.

They made their pressure count when Calvert-Lewin headed home Ben Godfrey’s flick-on from a corner for the England striker’s first league goal in two months.

Having seen his side dominate the first half, Ancelotti would have been displeased to see his team let in a sloppy goal three minutes into the second and it took a string of magnificent saves from Robin Olsen, standing in for the injured Jordan Pickford, to ensure Everton took home all three points.

The win leaves the Toffees four points off neighbours Liverpool and with two games in hand and their ever-improving form away from home bodes well for the upcoming Merseyside Derby on 20 February.