Richarlison’s stoppage-time equaliser gave Everton a valuable point against Leicester City, who will rue the result.
Richarlison was the hero for Everton against Leicester City on Wednesday night in the Premier League as he notched a late, injury-time equaliser to make amends for his earlier misses. The Toffees know the single point is extremely valuable in the context of the relegation battle, while the Foxes return home disappointed after a good effort on Merseyside.
Leicester began the game brightly at a loud Goodison Park, as Seamus Coleman’s last-gasp tackle denied Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall a potential shot on goal. Brendan Rodgers’ side did not have to wait long for the opener as Harvey Barnes was in the right place to tuck home a James Maddison cutback, which was mildly touched on its way by Kelechi Iheanacho.
Richarlison had the best chance of the game to put Everton back on level terms but he squandered it, shooting way off target from six yards out, with the goal open to him. In the second half, the Brazilian had another similar opportunity from close range, and again the forward was not able to guide his header on target. There was a feeling that the misses might come back to bite Everton and have ramifications on their fate in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Leicester were sharp and looked favourites to score once more throughout the duration of the game. However, the second goal never came and Richarlison had the opportunity to make amends for his earlier misses. Dele Alli’s cutback was met by Salomon Rondon, who had a deft touch before the Brazilian slotted in the equalising goal in the second minute of injury time to equalise.
In the end, Frank Lampard will welcome the point earned with open arms despite dreaming of a victory at the start of the game. The draw let the Toffees restore the four-point cushion over 18th-placed Burnley, having played the same number of games. Here’s how the players fared as Everton snatched a late equaliser against Leicester City.
Everton
Jordan Pickford – 6/10
Pickford would have been furious with his defence in the early stages after some sloppy play at the back allowed the Foxes to test him frequently. He was unable to do anything about Barnes’ opener, although made amends with a few smart saves along the way.
Seamus Coleman – 8/10
A top performance from Coleman, who brought his experience to the table and prevented some dangerous moments that could have proved costly for his team. The first-minute tackle denied Dewsbry-Hall a potential effort on goal.
Seamus Coleman vs Leicester:
▫️Most tackles in match (3)
▫️3/4 tackles won
▫️2 interceptions
▫️10 recoveries
▫️7/9 ground duels won
▫️1 key passFighting for his club ??? pic.twitter.com/hB6DKdFnQI
— IP??⚽️ (@IrishPropaganda) April 20, 2022
Yerry Mina – 6.5/10
Mina had a good game upon his return from injury, as the defender proved to be an asset at the back. The Colombian was superior in the air, winning his duels and providing much-needed security that had been lacking for large parts of this season.
Ben Godfrey – 6/10
Godfrey was tasked with marking Iheanacho and did a pretty good job keeping the striker quiet after the early struggles at the back. The constant change in his starting positions may have an effect on the defender’s rhythm, although he did a fairly good job at the back.
Vitaliy Mykolenko – 5.5/10
Mykolenko has been improving in the left-back role after his struggles since joining in January. The Ukrainian defender put in a good shift for large parts, although was beaten by Pereira in the build-up to the Foxes’ goal early in the game.
Allan – 3.5/10
Allan struggled to find his rhythm in a game of such importance, as he was bypassed easily by the Leicester passers time and again. The Brazilian struggled to get a foothold in the contest and often found himself in the wrong position.
Fabian Delph – 6/10
Delph continued what he did in the previous game against Manchester United as he put in a composed performance in midfield, making some smart passes and covering the ground well. He will be crucial to Everton’s chances of remaining in the Premier League.
Alex Iwobi – 5.5/10
Iwobi has been a bright spark in recent games, taking over a new role as a creator from midfield. However, he struggled to open up the Leicester defence this time out. While he had a few positive moments, the ex-Arsenal ace was lacking the end product.
Everton failed to register a shot in target in the first-half against Leicester.
The Toffees have failed to score a first-half goal in 22 of their 31 Premier League games this season. pic.twitter.com/WxvwBx9DFV
— Squawka (@Squawka) April 20, 2022
Anthony Gordon – 7/10
Gordon constantly threatened the Foxes’ backline with his movement, while looking to create chances for his teammates. However, he lacked incision with his passing at times, although he gets full marks for his application and hard work.
Demarai Gray – 5.5/10
Gray was Everton’s main creative outlet and he looked to deliver some dangerous balls but nothing really came off for the attacker. And, as Everton looked for an equaliser, he was hooked off by Lampard.
Richarlison – 6.5/10
Richarlison may have got the decisive equalising goal right at the death, but the forward missed two gilt-edged chances during the game that may have changed the outcome of the game in favour of Everton. Even then, his application could not be questioned as the Brazilian put in a hard shift off the ball.
5️⃣0️⃣-up for goals in the Royal Blue jersey – and not a bad time to get it! ?@richarlison97 ?? pic.twitter.com/YVqDAxthP7
— Everton (@Everton) April 20, 2022
Substitutes
Dele Alli – 6/10
Alli came on for the ineffective Allan and added some bite in the attacking areas. The former Spurs star proved useful after delivering the telling ball from which the equalising goal came to fruition.
Salomon Rondon – 6/10
Rondon’s introduction changed the complexion of the Everton attack, as he provided something different at the top. In the end, he got the assist for the Richarlison equaliser, as he had a deft touch before the Brazilian slotted the ball past Kasper Schmeichel.
Leicester City
Kasper Schmeichel – 6/10
Schmeichel did not have much to do for most parts of the game, thanks to Richarlison’s profligacy in front of the goal. The keeper could not do much about the Brazilian’s strike late in the game, although he did have a decent outing overall, making a few smart saves.
Ricardo Pereira – 7/10
An energetic performance from the full-back, rattling Mykolenko’s rhythm in the early parts of the game. He played his role in the build-up to the opening strike.
Wesley Fofana – 5.5/10
Fofana still seems to be getting back to full sharpness and found his rhythm a little off against Everton. The centre-back wasn’t at his best, but not a bad performance as he continues to accumulate minutes under his belt.
Jonny Evans – 7/10
Evans was again a steady presence in the defence, with the Foxes’ backline improving after the experienced star returned to regular action. It is important that Leicester manage to keep him fit for the rest of the season.
Timothy Castagne – 6.5/10
A few good moments for Castagne in the game as the versatile full-back proved useful at both ends of the pitch. The left-back will rue the late Pickford long-ball for which he got caught out. But otherwise, he had a solid game at Goodison Park.
Nampalys Mendy – 6/10
A composed performance from Mendy, who continues to grow in his role since returning from injury. The midfielder put in a good shift in midfield, often slowing down and disrupting Everton’s game.
Youri Tielemans – 6/10
Tielemans took advantage of Everton’s sloppy performance in midfield as he often found space to assert himself onto the proceedings. He could have done better to maintain a higher tempo and he faded as the game wore on.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 8/10
??????? Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall created more chances (2), completed more attacking third passes (15/23), completed more dribbles (3/5) and completed more crosses (2/6) than any other Leicester player against Everton.
?. #EVELEI #LCFC pic.twitter.com/g03EfDsWy6
— Mozo Football (@MozoFootball) April 21, 2022
Yet another positive game under his belt, as Dewsbury-Hall imposed his will on the attacking side of things. He could have had an effort in the first minute of the game only for Coleman to put in a solid challenge to deny him a shot. The Leicester City academy man continues to impress in his breakthrough campaign.
James Maddison – 7/10
Maddison was lively throughout the game as he produced a telling cutback for Barnes to score early in the game. At times it seemed like he wanted to do everything by himself despite having support from his teammates. He could have had a goal to his name in the match but squandered the chance.
Kelechi Iheanacho – 5/10
Iheanacho was outsmarted by Godfrey as the Everton man held his ground against the Nigerian. He did have a hand in the goal Barnes scored doing just about to deflect Maddison’s pass into his path.
Harvey Barnes – 7/10
Harvey Barnes has scored his first goal away from home in the Premier League since Leicester City's 2-1 defeat at Villa Park.
There may be hope, Everton fans. ? pic.twitter.com/PVF1p0tsEE
— Squawka (@Squawka) April 20, 2022
After a few bad games, Barnes was lively, having produced the early strike to give Leicester the lead. He was a threat down the left side, although much of his influence was thwarted by the Everton defence, especially Coleman.
Substitutes
Ademola Lookman – 6/10
Lookman added energy to the attack after replacing Barnes as Leicester looked for the second goal to kill the game off.
Patson Daka – N/A
He did not have much impact after playing for the final 15 minutes.
Daniel Amartey – N/A
He was sent in to add some legs in the defence as the Foxes looked to protect their narrow lead but he could not help the team.
