Categories: News

Everton’s Lukaku halts Leicester revival

Romelu Lukaku scored twice for Everton in a 4-2 victory on Sunday as Craig Shakespeare suffered defeat for the first time since becoming Leicester City manager.

Shakespeare had won all of his first six matches in charge, five of them in the Premier League, since replacing the sacked Claudio Ranieri in February.

A much-changed Leicester side, without their regular full-backs or midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, and with Riyad Mahrez appearing only as a substitute, were unable to cope with the threat of Lukaku.

The Premier League’s leading scorer took his goal tally in the competition to 23 for the season with a fine header and a clinical close-range finish.
Shakespeare’s decision to make five changes suggested he had one eye on Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg away to Atletico Madrid.

Leicester were behind after just 31 seconds, yet were soon in front.

Everton scored from their first attack as Kevin Mirallas raced through the centre and was pulled down by Daniel Amartey.

As the home fans appealed for a foul, teenage midfielder Tom Davies latched onto the loose ball and pushed it past Kasper Schmeichel.

Shakespeare’s side responded positively and were level with just four minutes on the clock.

Demarai Gray broke and with the Everton defenders standing off, rolled a pass to his right for Islam Slimani to slot under Joel Robles.

Everton’s goalkeeper, exposed for the equaliser, was at fault as Leicester took the lead in the 10th minute.

Jamie Vardy won a free-kick after he was fouled out on the left.

Marc Albrighton swung it in with his right foot and the ball sailed in at the far post, with Robles caught out of position anticipating a cross.

The goalkeeper looked uncertain after that as he used his feet to block a tame Gray shot that appeared easy to gather.

But Everton did recover their composure to draw level midway through the half with a fine goal.

Ross Barkley found space on the right to whip over a cross with plenty of pace and Lukaku escaped Leicester’s centre-backs to power a header past Schmeichel.

Still there was time for more drama before the half came to a close, with Mirallas and Huth booked following a tangle that became a full-on confrontation that drew in several players from both sides.

After that, Barkley was sent clear as Leighton Baines won the ball 40 yards out and went round Schmeichel, who recovered superbly to block as the midfielder looked set to find an empty net.

From the resulting corner, taken by Mirallas, captain Phil Jagielka rose to head in his second goal in two matches.

The chances continued to come after half-time, although not with quite as much frequency.

Mirallas steered a curler into Schmeichel’s arms at one end and Slimani’s cross-shot from the left rolled just past Robles’s near post at the other after taking a deflection off Morgan Schneiderlin.

The game’s sixth goal was not far away, though, and it turned out to be Everton’s fourth.

It came from another Mirallas corner, which Jagielka headed against the back of Leicester midfielder Andy King, before the ball dropped to the far post for Lukaku to drive in.

Shakespeare brought on Mahrez for the final half hour in an attempt to make life uncomfortable for Everton.

His counterpart, Ronald Koeman, responded by introducing Gareth Barry to shore up the home side’s midfield.

Leicester were not quite finished, though.

Leonardo Ulloa, their final substitute, would have pulled one back, but his header from a Mahrez corner struck Idrissa Gueye full in the face and he was then foiled by Robles.

This post was last modified on November 30, 2018 1:57 pm

SoccerNet Editor

Our editorial team at Soccernet.ng boasts over a decade of combined experience in covering Nigerian football, delivering timely news, expert analysis, and engaging content. With a passion for the game and a commitment to excellence, we connect fans to the heart of Nigerian and global football stories.

Share
Published by
SoccerNet Editor

Recent Posts

17-year-old Nigeria-eligible defender pens professional deal with Chelsea

Teenage English sensation, Olutayo Peter Subuloye, has penned his first professional contract with two-time UEFA… Read More

2 hours ago

Raphael Onyedika: Club Brugge boss reveals why Super Eagles star was not selected for Union Saint-Gilloise draw

Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika was not dressed up for Club Brugge's league game against… Read More

2 hours ago

WATCH: Lazio star Fisayo Dele-Bashiru dances in the face of racist insults in Lecce

Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru became the latest victim of racial abuse in football during Lazio’s… Read More

4 hours ago

“I am satisfied” – Home-based Super Eagles coach confident his side will seal CHAN spot

Head coach of the Super Eagles B team, Daniel Ogunmdede, has backed the home-based Nigerian… Read More

4 hours ago

“Every game is a battle” – Nigeria’s Lookman warns Lazio after firing Atalanta to Empoli win

Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman has warned Lazio to be ready for battle when the… Read More

4 hours ago

NPFL: Shooting Stars end ugly 20-year record against Rangers as Remo Stars, Abia Warriors record big wins

Matchday 18 games of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) were played across the country… Read More

6 hours ago