Image Source. | Licence Details.
Two teams in fine form locked horns together hoping to get ahead of the other but it wasn't meant to be as both had to settle for a shared point. Everton hosted Leicester City at the Goodison Park and there is no doubt as to how entertaining the match would be.
There was a moment of genius from Maddison in the game which could have been a worthy goal. The impressive Barnes found Maddison who decided to pull an audacious effort by going straight for the goal but after the ball beat the goalkeeper, it best the post marginally too as it dropped on the net. It was a great effort from Maddison but overall, it was a brilliant team effort that led to that wonderful opportunity.
Everton had to step up their game and James had been quiet up till the 30th minute but he is someone who can produce from even a half chance and that moment came exquisitely when a long ball from the halfway line did the trick and found Lucas Digne, who wasted no time in finding James Rodriguez whose tame cross into the box was stopped and then redirected back to his path. He controlled it brilliantly and found the top corner with half a chance. It was a goal meant for genius and he delivered. He has been a sensational signing for Everton.
James has been a difference-maker and little wonder Carlos Ancellotti asked for him when he moved to Bayern Munich. He played with Ancellotti then and now he is doing it for the same man in Everton colours. That goal was Everton's first shot on target and it was a goal. That's James Rodriguez's 4th goal of the season in Everton's jersey. What a goal that was.
Leicester knew they had to respond and they did all they could. They came close when Maddison's effort was blocked for a corner when Keane and Mina sniffled his effort out. They knew the threat Maddison possesses too and he has been in a fine form of late for Leicester City. When Vardy wasn't turning up, Barnes and himself have been that hope for Leicester City.
The resulting effort that led to the corner was taken and the ball found Evans in the box. He laid it off to Barnes who the found Tielemans. With many legs in front of him, he managed to release a shot and Pickford fumbled it by allowing the ball to go in. He didn't save the ball convincingly and Leicester City pulled themselves back to level the tie.
Everton hoped they would nick it at the end of the game but they fluffed their lines. Lucas Digne brilliantly found Calvert-Lewin and from the 6 yards out, he missed his header shockingly. It was a shock as the ball only went narrowly wide. That would definitely haunt him because he would have felt he let his team down there. It was a costly miss and that goal would have taken his team to 35 points, just 3 points behind Leicester City.
The game ended 1-1 as they shared the points. Leicester City now on 39 points, third in the league while Everton is now 7th with 33 points, at the time they both ended this game.
Everton has two games at hand and if they could win, that would take them to just a point behind Manchester United, all things being equal that United wins their games too before the outstanding games for Everton would be paid.
It's surprising because many people are not talking about Everton but they are a decent side with not a vast resource but they are doing great. Imagine if they win their two outstanding games, they would be up there with the best and we would never be wrong to say they are challenging for a top 4 finish.
The race for the top 4 is crazy right now and it remains to be seen those who will be there by the end of the season. I would not even want to make any predictions because this is Premier League and nothing is cast in stones, but I know Everton is doing great and Leicester City is also up there.
It's surprising how Leicester City came from relegation back then and they have been a force to be reckoned with. Brendan Rodgers has done such a good job with them with quality gameplay and quality players too. Anything is possible in this season. Fingers are crossed.
This Post First Appeared Here.
Thank you for your time.
My pen doesn't bleed, it speaks, with speed and ease.
Still me,
My tongue is like the pen of a ready writer.
Olawalium; (Love's chemical content, in human form). Take a dose today: doctor's order.