Did this tactical change by David Moyes reveal his future plans for Everton?

Everton’s 1-1 draw against Leeds United was plainly a game of two halves.

The first period saw the visitors run rings around the Toffees, and they will be gutted they found the back of the net just once.

But David Moyes reacted to his side's dismal first 45 minutes with two substitutions and a tweak in formation that saw Everton regain control and eventually an equaliser through Thierno Barry.

With the introduction of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jarrad Branthwaite, who replaced Dwight McNeil and Harrison Armstrong, Moyes shifted his side to a three-at-the-back approach, which helped the Blues become more comfortable in possession.

The tweak from the manager emphasised how much Everton have missed Branthwaite, and on top of his astute defensive skills, the 23-year-old is a crucial cog to the Toffees’ attacking play.

A naturally left-footed centre-back is always beneficial to the balance of a football team, but when you have a player who is as accurate as Branthwaite, it also opens new avenues of attack through cutting-edge passes that can split opposing defences.

Should the England international maintain his fitness for the remainder of the season, he will be a key factor to Everton’s success at both ends of the pitch.

With Branthwaite joining the back three, the change from Moyes pushed Nathan Patterson and Vitalii Mykolenko up the wings. Both functioned as wing-backs.

The pair did not manage to create much threat for the Blues, but they did face a very stubborn Leeds defence, who were firmly camped in their own half.

If wing-backs are to be used again, this would create the perfect conditions for Adam Aznou to gain Premier League experience.

Aznou has just one senior appearance this season. In his sole cameo, during Everton’s FA Cup defeat to Sunderland, the Moroccan showed he is a handful in the attacking third.

It seems clear that Moyes prefers Mykolenko over Aznou, and this is unlikely to change over the course of the season, but by employing wing-backs, the 19-year-old could find himself clocking more Premier League minutes.

If Branthwaite manages to build consistent playing time, this could give the young left-back a chance to demonstrate his talents in the league, while playing with the reassurance of a skilful left-footed centre back to help with any defensive work.

The draw against Leeds was two points dropped, but it was at least refreshing to see Moyes tweak his tactics and make changes at half-time. The change clearly rejuvenated the team and earned them a deserved draw - which seemed unlikely after the first 45 minutes.

Whether the Scotsman chooses to use these tactics again remains to be seen, but seeing a new attacking approach is promising.

 

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