David Moyes was left with mixed emotions after his Everton team delivered an improved second-half display to earn a 1-1 draw with Leeds United on Monday.
Leeds had taken the lead through James Justin's 28th-minute opener before former Toffee Dominic Calvert-Lewin saw his strike thunder against the post shortly after.
Moyes replaced Dwight McNeil and Harrison Armstrong for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jarrad Branthwaite at the break, while also matching Leeds' back three formation.
And those changes paid off when Thierno Barry netted his fourth Premier League goal in his last five outings with a brilliant first-time finish with 14 minutes remaining.
Idrissa Gueye then saw his shot hit the crossbar, but Everton were forced to settle for just a point, while also remaining winless against the newly-promoted side this season.
The Toffees did, however, see their expected goals (xG) total jump from 0.14 to 0.47 after the interval, while they also recorded more shots (six to four) and touches in the opposition box (15 to 10) in the second half.
"Mixed emotions. Really disappointed with how we played in the first half. How we set up didn't work as well as we would've liked," Moyes conceded.
"We got the goal, and we were unfortunate not to get a second one. Leeds were first to every ball. We didn't compete well, and it's not like us.
"All round all, we lacked something that would make the difference. We had a lot of players coming back and none of them were fit to start, to be honest.
"I'm really pleased with the reaction. I've got a really strong group who demand from each other."
A positive for Moyes was that this was just the second time in the Premier League this season that Everton have avoided defeat when conceding the opening goal.
However, the Toffees have now conceded nine goals via crosses in the top flight this season, which is the joint-most in the competition this term along with West Ham.
Another concern for Moyes is Everton's record at Hill Dickinson Stadium. After going unbeaten in their first four league games in their new stadium, they have won just two of their last seven in front of their home supporters (D2 L3).
"We've moved to a new stadium, and it's never easy when you move. It takes a bit of time," Moyes added.
"We started here really well, so we hope we can get back again and keep up the good away form."
The Everton boss also took the time to praise Barry for his performance. Since the start of December, only Ollie Watkins, Calvert-Lewin (both seven) and Erling Haaland (six) have scored more Premier League goals than Everton's number 11 (five).
In addition, after failing to score with any of his first 15 Premier League shots this season, Barry has now scored with five of his last 10 efforts on goal.
"If you're a centre forward, you need to score goals, and he hadn't at the start. He's getting better," Moyes said.
"He's training well and getting used to scoring goals. We need to create more chances, and we're still trying to get our attacking players back.