Everton picked up their second big Premier League win in the space of four days with a 2-0 victory over Leicester at the King Power Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Everton took the lead after 21 minutes as Richarlison cut inside from the left flank and sent a low effort past the unsighted Kasper Schmeichel.
Richarlison is back scoring goals for Everton. ?#LEIEVE pic.twitter.com/nMzObBf4Ej
— 90min (@90min_Football) December 16, 2020
The Toffees were forced to defend deep in their own half and soak up heavy pressure from Leicester in the second period, but doubled their advantage 16 minutes from time. Schmeichel made a stunning double save, but Mason Holgate gobbled up the rebound.
Leicester thought they had been handed a lifeline in the 82nd minute as Andre Gomes was penalised for bringing down fellow substitute Ayoze Perez in the box - but the initial penalty decision was overruled by VAR as the Foxes failed to find a way past a stubborn Everton.
LEICESTER CITY
1. Goalkeeper & Defenders
Kasper Schmeichel (GK) - 6/10 - Was unsighted in the buildup to Everton's opener as Richarlison's effort squirmed under his fingertips. Made an incredible double save just before Everton's second - so unfortunate to concede.
James Justin (RB) - 7/10 - Allowed Richarlison to cut inside for Everton's opener. Almost atoned for his error moments later with a pinpoint cross onto the head of Jamie Vardy from which Leicester should have equalised. Up and down the right flank all evening, was the Foxes' best attacking outlet.
Wesley Fofana (CB) - 6/10 - Confidently carried the ball out from the back on a number of occasions and strong defensively, keeping Calvert-Lewin relatively quiet.
Wilfred Ndidi (CB) - 6/10 - Slotting into an unnatural centre-back role in the absence of Jonny Evans but between himself and Fofana, the pair did a good job on the in-form Calvert-Lewin.
Christian Fuchs (LB) - 6/10 - Enjoyed a good battle with the in-form Iwobi in the first half, Richarlison got the better of him on a couple of occasions in the second.
2. Midfielders
Cengiz Under (RM) - 7/10 - Making his first ever Premier League start, Under was lively from the off. Demonstrated terrific feet to work an opening in the first half, squirming past two Everton defenders on the edge of the box. Sent Justin away with a fabulous flick in the second half.
Nampalys Mendy (DM) - 5/10 - Booked inside 15 minutes for a foul on Allan after being dispossessed by the Everton midfielder. Tidy in possession, replaced with 15 minutes remaining.
Youri Tielemans (CM) - 5/10 - Went close from the edge of the area during the opening exchanges and dragged a half-volley well wide in the second half.
James Maddison (AM) - 4/10 - Anonymous in the first half. Flashes of quality in the second half but ultimately a quiet, frustrating evening.
Harvey Barnes (LM) - 6/10 - Embarked on a terrific run early doors in the buildup to a good chance for Tielemans. Frequently drifted inside instead of hugging the touchline to occupy the number ten role. Got the better of Holgate on a couple of occasions with his searing pace.
3. Forwards
Jamie Vardy (ST) - 5/10 - Headed a golden first-half opportunity straight at Robin Olsen following Justin's cross. Was frustrated by Everton's low defensive line in the second half, rarely having an opportunity to race in behind.
4. Substitutes
Go on, Ayo! ?#LeiEve pic.twitter.com/hX8RovKpNr
— Leicester City (@LCFC) December 16, 2020
Ayoze Perez - 6/10
Kelechi Iheanacho - 4/10
EVERTON
5. Goalkeeper & Defenders
Robin Olsen (GK) - 6/10 - Saved comfortably from a Vardy header in the first half, and got down low to keep out Under.
Mason Holgate (RB) - 7/10 - Barnes got the better of him on a few occasions, but demonstrated all the attacking instincts of a seasoned goal poacher to poke home from a corner and double Leicester's lead.
Yerry Mina (CB) - 7/10 - Everton's centre-half pairing were magnificent, standing firm and keeping Vardy quiet as Leicester were largely restricted to chances from range
Michael Keane (CB) - 8/10 - A man mountain at the back, heading and blocking absolutely everything as Leicester hardly got a sniff of goal.
Ben Godfrey (LB) - 7/10 - Growing in confidence at full-back with every game, Godfrey got forward with purpose - not quite to Lucas Digne levels, but a thoroughly assured replacement for one of Everton's star performers.
6. Midfielders
Allan (CM) - 6/10 - Picked out Calvert-Lewin with a sumptuous floated pass. Such intelligence and tenacity to his game, from cross-field passes and deft touches to intense harrying when out of possession. Unfortunately forced off after 39 minutes with a hamstring injury.
Gylfi Sigurosson (CM) - 6/10 - A disciplined performance characterised by the a really good interception he made from an attempted Leicester pull-back in the second half. Caused problems with his set-piece deliveries.
Abdoulaye Doucoure (CM) - 8/10 - Moved into the deeper midfield role following Allan's injury. Made a terrific interception on the stroke of half-time to prevent Vardy racing clean through on goal, followed by a superb tackle in the second half as Barnes hurtled into the box at full pelt.
7. Forwards
Richarlison (LW) - 7/10 - Opened the scoring by cutting inside and sending a low, fizzing effort under Schmeichel.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (ST) - 6/10 - A glancing header straight at Schmeichel was the only sniff of goal Calvert-Lewin had in the first half, and he saw an effort from close range terrifically tipped onto the bar in the buildup to Everton's second.
Alex Iwobi (RW) - 7/10 - Cut inside and picked out Richarlison with a cross-field pass in the buildup to Everton's opener. Switched flanks in the second half in an attempt to stifle the lively Justin.
8. Substitutes
Andre Gomes - 6/10
Anthony Gordon - N/A
Jonjoe Kenny - N/A
Source: 90min
