May 09, (THEWILL) – Everton climbed out of the relegation zone with a key 2-1 win at Leicester City on Sunday, in what was their first away win since August with Alex Iwobi producing a strong shift in defensive and assisting the opener.
Everton’s frenzied first quarter of an hour produced two goals, with Vitaliy Mykolenko’s magnificent opener cancelled out by a terrible defensive mix-up.
Within six minutes, the visitors had taken the lead. Mykolenko was picked out on the edge of the box by Iwobi’s cross, and the full-back delivered an unstoppable, arcing volley that dipped into the bottom corner.
Leicester did not have to wait long for an equaliser, scoring at the end of a run of play that typified the play in the early exchanges of the fixture.
Abdoulaye Doucoure managed to get a feeble shot past Kasper Schmeichel and into the net, but it hit the post. The ball was then sent to the other end, where Toffees defenders Seamus Coleman and Yerry Mina collided, giving Patson Daka a clear run in on goal.
The Foxes appeared to be in control and came close to scoring again when Daniel Amartey blasted over from range. They would, however, fall behind again before the halftime break.
Brendan Rodgers’ team conceded another goal from a set piece when Richarlison rose unmarked to meet a corner. Schmeichel parried his downward header straight back into the danger zone, and Mason Holgate was there to nod home.
Jordan Pickford was Everton’s hero in the second half for the second week in a row, making a number of excellent stops to keep his team in front.
The England international first made a leaping save to deflect Nampalys Mendy’s long-range effort away, before denying half-time substitute Harvey Barnes from close range and then again when the winger let fly from the fringe.
Barnes came off the bench and came agonisingly close to scoring with eight minutes remaining, but his downward header sailed wide of the post.
Everton’s first league away win since August lifted them to 16th place and they gain from Burnley and Leeds United also losing this weekend. Their next match is against Watford, who were recently relegated to the Championship.
With the loss, Leicester’s winless streak in all competitions now stands at seven games, leaving Rodgers’ side in 14th place. Their next match is also against another relegated side, Norwich City.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
