Everton boss Moyes on draw with Leeds, Thierno Barry and new signings

Everton boss David Moyes admits his side were “really poor” in the first half of their draw with Leeds but praised Thierno Barry after the striker’s equaliser rescued a point for his side.

Barry struck in the second half after James Justin had opened the scoring and Moyes says he was pleased with the response after a very disappointing opening 45 minutes.

“I was pleased that we got it back,” he said. “We were really poor in the first half.

“It was very difficult to put your finger on why and how because we were set up for the game and realised how big a game it was for ourselves.

“Second half we got more control, controlled them better than we had in the first half and in the end got a goal from it.”

Barry has now scored four goals in his last five Premier League games and Moyes says the striker is benefitting from being more settled following his summer move to the Toffees.

“There’s a lot of strikers in the Premier League that cost a lot of money and it’s not easy for them either,” Moyes said.

“Recently we’ve not been creating that many chances. I think prior to that we have been, maybe not tonight and in recent games, so he’s had to take what he can.

“I think the biggest thing is he’s a young French under-21 international finding his way. His English was okay, not great. I think he’s just really beginning to get settled in and getting used to the whole club, the way the Premier League works, what’s expected, the intensity of the league, and he’s getting used to the work levels you have to put in.

“His training is getting better, his levels are improving, we’re seeing that which is pleasing for us but I think that’s also coming from him getting settled and getting used to what’s expected.”

And asked if Everton are close to bringing in any signings, Moyes responded: “Not at the moment, no. I might find out a bit more in the next day or two.”