Prince Rupert's Tower
Fansided

Everton fluff chance to go fourth

By Matt Townsend

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 27: James Maddison of Leicester City is tackled by Ben Godfrey (L) and Michael Keane of Everton (R) during the Premier League match between Everton and Leicester City at Goodison Park on January 27, 2021 in Liverpool, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 27: James Maddison of Leicester City is tackled by Ben Godfrey (L) and Michael Keane of Everton (R) during the Premier League match between Everton and Leicester City at Goodison Park on January 27, 2021 in Liverpool, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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After taking a first half lead through James Rodriguez Everton couldn’t ultimately hold on, conceding a second half equaliser to Leicester City and missed the chance to go fourth in the Premier League.

Going into this match Everton were without both first-choice midfield defensive dynamos Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure and it showed in the second period as the Toffees struggled to get a grip in midfield and break up Leicester’s possession football.

Carlo Ancelotti decided to continue playing Lucas Digne on the left of his midfield (a tactical switch I thought might enable him to play both Digne and the excellent Ben Godfrey) and stick to his recently solid defence. Meanwhile Richarlison moved over to the right and Rodriguez played off Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

In the first half the Blues were the better side overall after a slowish start and they looked more dangerous, making some good chances.

The visitors were missing talisman striker Jamie Vardy and his absence meant they couldn’t stretch Everton’s defence and counter-attack with those dangerous balls over the top.

Half an hour into the match Rodriguez, who was again playing well, gave the home side the lead scoring with his standing right foot not his magical left, after his initial shot had rebounded.

Everton continued to be on top in the final quarter of an hour but then after the break Leicester upped their game and came back strongly.

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The Foxes are a very well drilled possession and passing team and they showed it with some slick, football, putting the home team under pressure and the Toffees were increasingly pressed back and forced to defend for long periods.

However, in truth the Blues backline held firm and Leicester didn’t carve out that many clear-cut chances but they were always threatening. James Maddison in particular was outstanding getting on the ball and probing the Everton defence.

In midfield although they worked hard Tom Davies and Andre Gomes were struggling to match their Leicester counterparts influence and the absent Allan and Doucoure were missed. The Foxes Youri Tielemens was the best midfielder on the night.

Although there were a few close shaves with Yerry Mina clearing to prevent an equaliser, it looked as though Everton might hold on for all three points.

But inevitably that equaliser finally came. Jordan Pickford put a ball out that he should have left and then did his classic flailing at the corner and finally couldn’t keep the shot from Tielemens out.

Pickford will take a lot of criticism again deservedly so, but to be fair he has been better and more consistent recently and this is probably the first significant mistake he has made since the Merseyside derby.

Unfortunately these kinds of lapses and errors always seem to be somewhere in his locker. Maybe Robin Olsen deserves an extended spell in the team.

Ancelotti brought on Alex Iwobi and he made a difference giving the Toffees an additional outlet up front. And in the closing minutes it was the home team who had the best chances to win it but Calvert-Lewin and the horribly out of form Richarlison both missed with headers late on and that was that.

I had predicted a draw for this game in my match preview and a point against what is a very good Leicester side with key players missing is not the end of the world.

To be honest it shows how far the Blues have come in terms of their ambition and expectations under Ancelotti, that they are disappointed to drop any points to a supposed title contender.

But it was a chance missed to get back into the top four again and now the weekend visit of struggling Newcastle United really is a must-win match for Everton.