Leicester 1-1 Everton: Match Recap & Instant Reaction | Ndiaye scores, Blues fail to hold on again
Today at 01:20 PM
Goals continue to be scored and a first point is recorded to take Everton off the bottom of the table
It is not often that the fifth game of the season throws up a six pointer but that is what we had heading into Everton's trip to the East Midlands to face Leicester City. The Foxes have just two points from their first four matches and we know Everton were propping up the table.
Team News
The team news was not good for Everton had fitness doubts over numerous players but Dyche confirmed that Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Vitalii Mykolenko had overcome illness. and was thankful that James Tarkowski and Michael Keane were both fit to start. It was a huge surprise to see James Garner filling in at right back along with Jack Harrison, although the latter was on the bench. Idrissa Gueye was unavailable due to a family bereavement and five other players remain out injured.
Match Recap
The match was underway and the Evertonians were in full voice with the noise sounding like a home game. Everton's lineup seemed a quite flexible setup but Ndiaye was out on the left and McNeil just behind Calvert Lewin and it was Ndiaye who created the first big chance. A lovely cross was met by Lindstrom but he tried to volley it even though it was high and his shot screwed wide.
It was then Doucoure taking a pop at goal but his shot was well over the bar. It took Leicester eight minutes to put any pressure on the Everton goal but Ndidi was not able to keep his header down from a corner. It was end to end and when Ndiaye drove at the heart of the Leicester defense he was taken down for a free kick. Lindstrom and McNeil lined it up but the Dane could not get it past the wall. The recycled play had Young and Ndiaye do a lovely one two which saw Ndiaye slot the ball into the bottom corner.
Leicester were trying to level the score but for a third time their final touch was poor. Everton's next real chance fell to Calvert Lewin and a follow up shot from Lindstrom which was well saved by the Leicester keeper. Everton were passing the ball around nicely and were sharing the possession stats fairly evenly with Leicester.
Some nice defending by Doucoure snuffed out a Leicester foray down the left side. The rain started to fall heavily as the teams tried to keep the ball under control with the slick surface making it difficult on the players.
Jamie Vardy was the first injury as he landed awkwardly and needed treatment for his ankle. Odsonne Edouard started to warm up but it looked like Vardy was going to recover and this was confirmed when he returned to the play.
Leicester had their best chance with a nice move down the right. Justin's cross sizzled across but there was no one able to get on the end. Pickford was then hanging from the post as he mishandled a cross and even with Vardy trying to push Pickford into the net but the England number one stood his ground.
Leicester were asserting themselves with ten minutes to go in the half but Everton were happy to counter attack and a long ball over the top saw Calvert Lewin pushed down in the box but the referee waved it off. It was outside the box so VAR could not intervene. Everton were pushing again and Mangala got the ball into Lindstrom but the Dane took too long and skied the ball over the net. Hail started to fall as the fans headed for an early pie and tea.
Some more nice buildup play by Everton saw Ndiaye get a nice pass to McNeil but his shot went wide of the post. It was getting a little bitty as three minutes of additional time was announced. Lightning was visible around the stadium but they played on. The whistle eventually blew and Everton went in with a one goal lead.
As the teams prepared for the second half there was a conversation between the referee, Darren England and the two managers regarding the weather and the potential for a delayed restart.
Leicester were on the front foot early in the second half with Everton happy to sit back and play on the counter. Some nice holdup play was making Everton's possession possible and the interplay in the middle of the park was very good. That work led to Calvert Lewin battling for the ball and his layoff to Ndiaye ended with the winger blasting the ball high and wide of the near post.
The play was from end to end and Harry Winks swung the ball into Jordan Ayew who turned and volleyed the shot but his shot was well over the bar. Jordan Ayew was getting more involved in the play for Leicester and his presence was creating issues for the Everton midfield and defenders.
El Khannouss was replaced by Buonanotte for Leicester and the Argentinian who is on loan from Brighton was ready to add to his first goal against Villa. Everton were also preparing to make a change with Jack Harrison getting ready to come on for Lindstrom. It was the Dane who perhaps saw his number coming up went for a run down the wing and his attempt to pull the ball back to Calvert Lewin was blocked by Justin.
Lindstrom was withdrawn and Harrison took up his place on the right side. Everton pushed forward and a lovely pass from McNeil put Calvert Lewin into the open and his shot across the keeper was nicely saved to deny a second goal. Leicester immediately took the ball down the pitch and put the Toffees under pressure.
A corner from Harry Winks was taken short and Okoli ended up wondering how he did not get a goal from his header at point blank range. Everton were clearly hoping that Leicester's push for an equalizer would create opportunities on the counter. Thankfully, the rain had slowed down and the ability to see the ball was returning!
A crazy corner for Leicester which bounced around the six yard box eventually fell to Mavididi and his goalward drive could not be stopped by McNeil on the line. How would Everton react?
The first yellow card of the match was given to Buonanotte who took down a streaking Dwight McNeil on the edge of the box. McNeil then lined up the free kick but his kick was easily caught by the keeper. It was end to end as Leicester and Everton traded chances.
Iliman Ndiaye was withdrawn with Tim Iroegbunam coming on. Dwight McNeil went wide with Iroegbunam moving into the middle with Doucoure moving into the number ten role. Odsonne Edouard was brought on for Leicester in place of Jamie Vardy as they looked to take all three points.
Everton were scrambling with five minutes to go but Edouard could not get a shot away. Leicester were pushing and Everton were giving the ball away in bad areas. Mangala had no where to go and left his marker who then had Tarkowski to thank for the blocked shot. Dyche was apoplectic on the touchline!
Four minutes of additional time was announced and both teams felt they could get the vital goal. Leicester pushed forward and a poor touch from Tarkowski gave the Foxes a late corner. The referee wanted to talk to the players about holding before Pickford punched clear. It was the last real chance as Darren England blew the whistle to give Everton their first point of the season.
Man of the Match: Iliman Ndiaye: Everton's new forward continues to show why he was brought to the team. His attacking intent is clear each time he is on the ball and the team is better for that fact. His goal was well taken and his cut inside onto his right foot and shooting to the left side of the goal is starting to look like a pattern which I am happy to continue seeing.
Instant Reaction
Needs must was the order of the day today with the Everton treatment room full to the top. Somehow James Garner was given some miracle drink and he was able to return at right back. The attacking third was what I had hoped to see with Lindstrom on the right, Ndiaye on the left and McNeil in behind Calvert Lewin. I have to say that this gives the team a better balance and with both Ndiaye and Lindstrom bombing down the wing, we are getting the ball to the line far more frequently than before the transfer window.
There is one thing that can be said about Everton this year, there are goals in this team. The front four all played their part in the more positive attacking play that Evertonians have wanted to see for a while. With the return of Jarrad Branthwaite there will have to be a more solid defensive backline which with the increasing number of goals.
In the end it was a well earned point away from home which gives Everton their first point of the season. The travelling supporters broke out into song after the final whistle to thank the team for their effort. It would have been nice to hold on, but there has to be an acknowledgement that the cupboard is currently threadbare and the options for adjustments was limited.
