Everton 1-1 Leicester City: Richarlison scores late to give hosts precious point

Richarlison scored an injury-time goal against Leicester to give Everton a precious point in their bid to avoid relegation.

But after a nightmarish start to the game when James Maddison’s cross was deflected by Harvey Barnes, they turned the game in their favor in the second half, with substitutes Dele Alli and Salomon Rondon playing a pivotal role.

After Richarlison squandered several good chances, it looked like Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers would earn his first win at Goodison Park.

But the Brazilian hit a shot in the 92nd minute to make home fans crazy for a point that was deserved by the team’s improvement, if not the quality.

His eighth goal of the season didn’t look like it was coming, but when it did, it was one that could prove vital as Everton face Liverpool and Chelsea in their next two games.

The point lifted the hosts four points ahead of Burnley with seven season games remaining.

For Leicester, who were content to take a one-goal lead instead of chasing intensely for a second, it was a wasted opportunity with Maddison also squandering three good chances when Everton bet on a draw.

The Foxes have already reached the Europa Conference League semi-finals this season, but are now 11 points behind seventh-placed West Ham, who have played two more games.

A draw that felt like a victory

Everton haven’t been able to turn successive home wins into a third, but after a bad first half this will be as good as a win.

Without Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who suffered a training camp injury that could have kept him out for two weeks, Richarlison’s front three, Demarai Gray and Anthony Gordon struggled to come together.

Gordon’s pass and set piece were particularly unfortunate, but when Rondon came in to provide a focal point for the attack, and Alli offered some assistance to the impressive Alex Iwobi, the game began to turn Everton’s path.

The early goal and Leicester’s dominance led to a subdued atmosphere in the first half, where, despite Richarlison’s missed shot, the home fans weren’t lifted from their seats until just before half-time when Gray shot inches from a corner. intelligent.

Leicester had already come close when Seamus Coleman took down Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall before the Foxes took the lead.

With Rodgers making seven changes to the team that lost in Newcastle on Sunday, the visitors were able to cut through Everton’s defense easily. Dewsbury-Hall and Maddison caused problems for Everton’s defence, which had Yerry Mina back for the first time since February after a hamstring injury.

On the other hand, Fabian Delph and Allan were heavy in midfield, with only Iwobi providing the momentum Everton and their fans craved. But that soon changed in the second half, when Alli came on to replace Allan.

Unfortunately for the hosts, Gordon’s pass was still wrong, and Richarlison, who had scored just three goals since the turn of the year, squandered another good chance after good work from Rondon and a free-kick header from a corner.

As Everton pressed for the tie, gaps opened up for Leicester to exploit and Maddison came close three times.

This ended up costing dearly as Richarlison and his team’s persistence gained a crucial point in keeping Lampard’s side on the right side of the relegation zone.

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