Holding Champions Leicester City had a tough ask ahead at Goodison Park against Everton despite turning their season around following five back to back victories in Premier League under Craig Shakespeare. Everton, too, holds a great home record and were upbeat following their midweek draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Two exciting teams locked horns this afternoon which resulted in an end-to-end thriller and finished 4-2 in favour of the Toffees ending Leicester boss Shakespeare’s unbeaten streak.
Everton Players RATED And SLATED From Their Impressive Win Vs Leicester City
Joel Robles: 5.5
Robles was at fault in Leicester’s second goal as he was off his line and Marc Albrighton made no mistake to put it into the back of the net from an intelligent free-kick. Made a decisive save to keep out Leonardo Ulloa’s header towards the end and did not allow the Foxes to get back into the game.
Mason Holgate: 6
Was kept on his toes by Demarai Gray who troubled him with his pace, forward runs and directness. The youngster settled well with time and had a better second half as he kept his composure and made significant attacking contributions.
Matthew Pennington: 5.5
The young centre-back had a memorable Merseyside derby last week where he netted a goal despite ending up on losing side. He started the game alongside Jagielka due to the suspension of Ashley Williams. Was often troubled by Jamie Vardy who forced him into an error and the resulting free-kick was converted by Albrighton to earn his side a lead at one stage of the game.
Phil Jagielka: 8.5
The veteran Englishman should have done better in Leicester’s equaliser, but he responded well by scoring with a thumping header in closing minutes of first half and earned his side a crucial lead. He then nodded the ball to Lukaku who made no mistake to extend the lead in the early minutes of the second half. Led his back-line with crucial blocks, interceptions and tackles and clearances.
Leighton Baines: 7
As consistent as ever. The Englishman did well both with his overlap runs and defensive duties. Held the ball well towards the end to calm down the tempo.
Idrissa Gana Gueye: 6.5
A little off-paced in the beginning, but the Senegalese professional came back strong and worked tirelessly with his runs and passing. He played a big part to take control of the game from midfield.
Morgan Schneiderlin: 7
Another steady performance by the Frenchman who, despite early hiccups, kept possession in midfield and calmed things down using his experience that helped his side to gain control of the game since Everton’s equaliser in the middle of the first half.
Tom Davies: 7
The youngster continues his excellent run with an early goal within first 30 seconds of the game. Showed great composure in midfield and worked tirelessly throughout the game.
Ross Barkley: 7.5
His inch-perfect cross for Lukaku from the right helped his side to level the scoreline at around 23 rd minute of the game. Kept on posing threats with his pace, power and link up play. Was denied by Kasper Schmeichel a couple of times.
Kevin Mirallas: 8.5
Delivered one of his best performances in Everton colours. His fantastic run resulted in Everton’s early lead via Davies, also his perfect delivery from the corner allowed Jagielka to nod home and earn his side a deserving lead late into the first half. Played his part in their fourth goal as well. Came close to scoring, was denied by Kasper Schmeichel.
Romelu Lukaku: 8
The big Belgian scored a brace to net 12 goals in his last seven league appearances at Goodison. The top scorer of Premier League could have had his hat-trick towards the end but he lost his balance and fired high over the bar after picking up Mirallas’ delivery from an Everton counter.
Substitutes:
Gareth Barry: 6
Came on to make his 623rd Premier League appearance replacing Schneiderlin with 20 minutes remaining. Sat back and screened his defence to withstand Leicester’s pressure.
