Leicester City 2 Everton 2: Toffees take just a point at Kingpower

Simply not enough. That’s the basic outcome of last night’s mad match at the Kingpower Stadium as Everton eventually drew 2-2 with Leicester City.

Going into last night’s game the Blues’ were a point behind their hosts with both clubs staring almost certain relegation in the face if they lost.

Everton desperately needed the three points after defeat to Newcastle United as a draw (and obviously a defeat) would in all probability, not be enough in the end.

Once again manager Sean Dyche decided to stick with his two former Burnely centre-backs; James Tarkowski and Michael Keane, despite their shortcomings (especially Keane) and the continuing availablility of Yerry Mina.

And once again it was Keane’s ineptitude in the game and it probably ending up costing the Toffees’ a chance to take home all the points after yesterday’s match.

He was totally outpaced and out-manovoured by the Leicester forwards, particularly ageing star Jamie Vardy who literally ran rings around him.

The Blues’ had started the game well and Dominic Calvert-Lewin had given the visitors the lead after being awarded a penalty, which he converted.

Leicester were soon level though and then they went 2-1 up as Vardy easily evaded Keane and then rounded Jordan Pickford to slot home.

Before half-time there was further drama. First Calvert-Lewin had a chance to equalise which he fluffed and then Leicester were given a penalty themselves.

James Maddison stepped up to take the spot-kick and it seemed certain that if he scored, it would be game over for Everton.

But, Pickford saved the penalty and so the Toffees’ went into the break still only one goal behind.

Finally, Seamus Coleman was the victim of a harsh challenge and had to be substituted. His season is over, will he ever play again in the Premier League for this club?

After half-time Everton looked the more dangerous side in what was still a chaotic game with chances at both end.

Then Alex Iwobi scored to bring the Blues’ level. Could they find a way to secure victory?

This was surely the moment for Dyche to make attacking changes and go for it, but he didn’t and despite having several players warming up, the manager didn’t bring anyone on.

This was preplexing to say the least. Everton needed all three points and in truth, except for the frustrating excellence of Foxes keeper Daniel Iverson, they would surely have scored again.

But, it would still have made sense to add to the attacking threat with either Demarai Gray and/or Ellis Simms coming on.

The managers’ team selection, in-game decisions and tactics have been frustratingly off the mark over the last few weeks and it’s costing the side.

What do we finally make of last night’s match? Is it two crucial points dropped or another point gained on the road to add to the previous two 2-2 drawa away?

I think the former is the only way to ultimately see this. Last night was a great chance to end that long drought without a win on their travels since Southampton last October.

And, despite some hard work and opportunities to do so, the Toffees’ couldn’t take it.

Next comes a very tough trip to the Amex Stadium to play a hugely confident and impressive Seagulls side before hosting league leaders and treble-chasing Manchester City at Goodison Park.

Does anyone think Everton can get anything from these games? I don’t.

That means the trip back to the Midlands to take on Wolves after the City game, before the final day of the season and Bournemouth at home, are the only very slim chances left for the Blues’ to pick up enough points to survive.

This though also depends on the results other teams fighting the drop manage to get.

If either Leeds (who seem about to appoint ex-Toffees boss Sam Allardyce) Leicester or Nottingham Forest win another two or three games, Everton will almost certainly be relegated.

That does seem unlikely, and so although I am finding it hard to see a way out for the Blues’, this horrible, agonising situation will almost certainly come down to those last few games of the season.