Recap of Leeds vs. Everton: On Tuesday at Elland Road, Jesse Marsch's team was forced to settle for a comeback draw with the Toffees after falling behind after another sluggish start.
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For just the second occasion this season, Anthony Gordon gave Frank Lampard's team the lead with a well-placed effort in the 17th minute. However, Leeds responded in the 55th minute with Luis Sinisterra's first Premier League goal. The Whites dominated possession and opportunities from then on, but their 11 other second-half shots were blocked.
Leeds had scored seven goals after four games this season. Rodrigo had four of them, having persevered through two unsuccessful seasons to start his Leeds career (2nd-most in the Premier League). The Brazilian-turned-Spaniard was prospering under the added responsibility to be "the person" for Marsch's players when Raphinha left for Barcelona. After making a harmless touch with Jordan Pickford just 30 minutes into Tuesday's encounter, Rodrigo appeared to dislocate his left shoulder and needed oxygen on the field at Elland Road. Rodrigo's absence could be measured in months rather than weeks, which would require Leeds to enter the transfer market once more before the deadline on Thursday. Or, given that Patrick Bamford has recovered from a groin injury, Sinisterra may be able to provide more goals sooner rather than later (see video below).
Unquestionable toughness and resilience in Leeds
There is the no scrappier team in the Premier League than Leeds, from Rasmus Kristensen taking on Gordon and going head-to-head with him, to Aaronson springing to his feet and shoving the much bigger Conor Coady after a cynical foul, to the constant pressing and biting at heels. In Marsch's first full season in charge, they are the "you love them if you root for them, hate them if you don't" squad, which is working out very well for them. The 2-1 victory over Wolves on opening day was the other occasion they overcame a 1-0 deficit to salvage a victory this season. Based on how they compete for the entire 90 minutes, it seems likely that this won't be the last time they do so.
Leeds is currently in fifth place in the standings with 7 points after four games, despite the setback at Amex Stadium. Rodrigo is having a breakout third season with four goals in four games at the club. He is equal for second place with Harry Kane and Aleksandar Mitrovic and is behind Erling Haaland. The Spaniard has never had a season with more than seven Premier League goals, but since Raphinha left for Barcelona, he is thriving in a more liberated offensive role.
Everton, meanwhile, has won their past two games and earned a point while drawing both the Bees and newly promoted Nottingham Forest. Early-season injuries have decimated Frank Lampard's depth chart at central midfielder, central defense, and center striker. Additionally, if Anthony Gordon, a 21-year-old academy graduate, gets his way, the season could be further derailed by his probable transfer to Chelsea.
Stuart Dallas (thigh) is out. Patrick Bamford (adductor), Luke Ayling (knee), Liam Cooper (calf), and Junior Firpo (questionable) are also out (knee).
Injuries, lineup choices, and club news for Everton
Ben Godfrey (broken leg), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (knee), Yerry Mina (ankle), Abdoulaye Doucoure (hamstring), Mason Holgate (knee), Andre Gomes (undisclosed), and Andros Townsend are all injured and out of the game (knee)
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