Everton 1-1 Leeds analysis: Farke will relish Arsenal opportunity next

Leeds United’s improvement was underlined by manager Daniel Farke’s obvious disappointment at only leaving Everton with a point.

Farke, whose position looked under threat after struggling early in his return to the Premier League, made a significant improvement to make Leeds feel at home in the top flight.

Leeds were so much better than Everton in the first 45 minutes that a single goal lead was not a reflection of their superiority.

In the final tally, the key moment was when Dominic Calvert-Lewin hit the post with a relatively simple chance with Leeds ahead and in control.

The result leaves Leeds six points clear of the relegation places. Based on this display, and others recently, they should have no serious relegation concerns.

Farke said: “It’s a good result, coming away to Everton is difficult. A bit disappointed too because we were close to winning it. Maybe we could have buried the game with a second goal.”

The manager came under serious pressure earlier in the season, but he remained calm and worked superbly to make Leeds United look like a Premier League team.

Leeds may have lost to Manchester City in late November, but the manner in which they came back from 2-0 down early on only to lose to a Phil Foden goal in stoppage time paved the way for improvement.

Farke switched to 3-5-2 at half-time, introducing Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha. It was a performance, even in defeat, that made Leeds suddenly feel comfortable in their own skin.

Leeds have only lost one game in 11 since, one in 10 in the league, to give them real optimism of survival.

They face Arsenal at Elland Road on Saturday, a tough task for the Premier League leaders, who looked nervous during the home defeat to Manchester United on Sunday.

It’s a meeting that Farke and his players will appreciate.