Everton were held to a 2-2 draw by Hull City at the MKM Stadium on Saturday, a result that manager David Moyes said was not good enough. The Toffees twice came from behind to lead but conceded a 74th-minute equaliser to Mohamed Belloumi, extending their unbeaten run to five games but leaving them fifth in the Premier League with 10 points.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Thierno Barry scored for Everton either side of Joe Gelhardt's opener for the hosts. Barry's goal, his third of the season, had put Everton ahead with 22 minutes remaining, but they could not hold on for a victory that would have strengthened their position in the top four.
How the match unfolded
Hull started brightly and thought they had taken the lead in the 34th minute through Brennan Johnson, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review. Jordan Pickford had already made a key save to deny Gelhardt in the first half. The breakthrough came three minutes after the restart, however, when Sorba Thomas capitalised on an error from Ainsley Maitland-Niles to set up Gelhardt for a simple finish.
Everton responded well and were level 12 minutes later. Maitland-Niles made amends for his earlier mistake, providing the assist for Dewsbury-Hall to slot home from inside the area. The momentum shifted and Barry, who had missed a couple of earlier chances, put the visitors ahead in the 68th minute, finishing neatly after a pass from Dewsbury-Hall.
The lead lasted just six minutes. Hull worked the ball down their right flank and Elliot Stroud's cross was turned in by Belloumi to secure a point for the Tigers, who remain unbeaten at home this season.
Moyes's post-match reaction
David Moyes did not hide his disappointment after the final whistle. The Everton manager said his team's performance was far below the level he expects and that they should have won the game comfortably after going 2-1 up. He also stated he would not accept any excuses from players regarding the ongoing ownership situation or the recent transfer window, emphasising that standards on the pitch must be maintained regardless of off-field circumstances.
What the result means for Everton
The draw means Everton stay fifth in the Premier League, having taken 10 points from their opening six matches. Their recent form shows two wins and three draws from their last five outings. Thierno Barry's goal was his third of the campaign, confirming his status as the team's top scorer.
Attention now turns to a significant home fixture against Chelsea next Saturday. Everton will aim to build on their solid, if frustrating, start to the season when they host the Blues at Goodison Park on 17 October.
This story first appeared at The Guardian Football
