A relegation six-pointer in every sense of the word, the tension was palpable on Merseyside as two of England’s most historic clubs did battle with both trying to preserve their top-flight status.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, neither side was willing to take too many risks in a very cagey opening period, with mistakes potentially proving fatal. That rang especially true for Everton, who’ve managed just one goal from open play since late October in the Premier League.
Toffees' midfield dynamo Amadou Onana started to have a greater influence on the game as half-time approached, but he failed to add to his goal tally for the season with an effort from the edge of the area that flew over the bar.
Sean Dyche’s men were on top, with Neal Maupay seeing a header cleared off the line by Weston McKennie, before James Tarkowski’s back-post effort was brilliantly steered away from danger by Illan Meslier.
With the second half following a very similar pattern of limited quality in the final thirds, a moment of magic from the Everton captain broke the deadlock and sent the home fans wild.
Seamus Coleman broke free behind the Leeds defence and with nobody waiting in the box, his delivery deceived Meslier and flew in at the near post, marking the Irishman’s first goal since February 2022 - a strike which also came against Leeds.
As has been the case so often this term, Leeds looked a constant threat but lacked the clinical edge in the final third to truly test Jordan Pickford as they fell to 19th, just a point clear of the foot of the table.
Goodison Park has been a miserable destination for them, winning just one of their last 16 league visits. A priceless three points lifts a peculiar hoodoo for Toffees boss Sean Dyche, with his first-ever top-flight victory over Leeds meaning he now boasts victories over all 31 of his Premier League opponents as a manager.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Amadou Onana (Everton)
