Alexander the Great
Alex Iwobi had enjoyed an energetic and industrious first half for the main part but there was no getting away from his culpable role in gifting the lead to Leicester City.
While the Nigerian international was halfway up the pitch when he gave away possession, such is the speed of thought and speed of foot in the Premier League, his awkwardly-placed square ball was cut out by Youri Tielemans, who picked out James Maddison to thread through to Jamie Vardy, who had the ball in the back of the Everton net just seconds later.
It’s not the first time that Iwobi has been guilty of sloppy play but given the way the Blues are struggling for survival this season, he’s far from alone when it comes to pointing the finger of blame.
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After going ahead early on through Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s penalty, Everton heads could have easily dropped after such a setback – unfortunately we’ve seen that happen all too often this term – but credit to the group as a whole, and Iwobi in particular, they kept plugging away and were rewarded for their spirited efforts through his deserved second-half equaliser. The Blues had spurned several inviting opportunities to score on the night but Iwobi went from villain to hero by coolly slotting home at the back post to earn his side what could be a precious point in their fight for survival.
It’s about time, too. For an attack-minded midfielder, the player – who celebrates his 27th birthday on Wednesday – to not possess a prolific scoring record.
Before this game, he’d netted just once all season to put his side ahead against Manchester United back on October 9 but that effort came to nought as Everton would ultimately lose 2-1. Indeed, Iwobi has never scored more than twice for the Blues in a single campaign so the challenge in these final four matches must now be to add to his tally and go at least one better after this crucial effort.
Fight, fight, fight with all our might…
Ahead of Everton’s previous fixture against Newcastle United, there was a banner on the Gwladys Street that asked: 'Fight for us'. But unfortunately the Blues were beaten 4-1 with a whimper.
Here, Leicester version was more bullish for the Foxes as they proclaimed: 'Up for the fight'. But after the visitors battled back to avoid the prospect of their opponents moving four points above them, it was a fitting tribute to captain Seamus Coleman who they had lost through a nasty-looking injury just before the break. The Irish international had been missing for Everton’s back-to-back home defeats when they seemingly waved the white flag in chaotic finishes against Fulham and Newcastle, and it was hoped that his leadership following his return here could prove valuable during the run-in.
While Dyche was awaiting further details over the condition of the 34-year-old after this one, it didn’t look good for the skipper in terms of potential involvement this season after he was stretched off. But in typically resolute fashion, Coleman sat up as he was carried off the turf to deliver a defiant fist-pump salute to his team-mates and the travelling fans. If Everton are going to beat the drop this term then do it for him.
Wily old Fox
Almost seven years ago, this correspondent had the dubious honour of being present for a true piece of footballing history as the Leicester fairytale was completed as the 5,000-1 shots were presented with the trophy for their Premier League title triumph after defeating Everton.
On a memorable day, when manager Claudio Ranieri brought in fellow Italian Andrea Bocelli to wow the King Power fans with a rendition of Nessun Dorma, the Foxes ran riot. From the visitors’ point of view, the final score was an at least credible 3-1 reversal but in truth it could have been anything and they were extremely fortunate to escape with that in what proved to be Roberto Martinez’s penultimate fixture in charge.
Jamie Vardy was having a party that day, bagging a brace, and while he was denied a hat-trick when he fired a penalty over the bar, he could still afford a beaming smile. Now 36, Vardy was the only player on the pitch here to have also played on that day but while the sands of time may have dulled his lightning pace somewhat, he still looked razor sharp here. Leicester’s possession of such a natural goalscorer is of concern for Everton, not just in terms of the way he tormented Michael Keane here, but in the matches ahead because with him in the team, Dean Smith’s side always have a potent outlet.
A week ago, Vardy had just one goal to his name all season but the wily old Fox has now netted in consecutive matches to ensure his team twice avoided defeat against relegation rivals. Talk about picking your moments… he certainly doesn’t look finished yet and what would the Blues give to have a marksman of his quality among their own ranks?
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