Leicester 1 Everton 1: Toffees blow ANOTHER lead but get first point of the season as Mavididi levels early Ndiaye goal

3 months ago 27

THE storm clouds circling Everton lifted briefly after a day when torrential rain, thunder and lightning descended on the King Power Stadium.

But while Sean Dyche’s side collected their first point of the season – they once again failed to hold on to a lead.

 Joe Giddens/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye got the away side off to a flyer
Alamy Live News. 2Y5CGEH Iliman Ndiaye of Everton scores the teams first goal during the Premier League football match between Leicester City and Everton at the King Power Stadium in Leicester, England. (James Holyoak/SPP) Credit: SPP Sport Press Photo. /Alamy Live News This is an Alamy Live News image and may not be part of your current Alamy deal . If you are unsure, please contact our sales team to check.Leicester’s players were unable to close Ndiaye down for the Toffees’ opener
//www.football-dataco.com Mandatory Credit: Photo by Ryan Crockett/Every Second Media/REX/Shutterstock (14732385i) Everton players celebrate their opening goal during the Leicester City FC v Everton FC English Premier League match at the King Power Stadium, Leicester, England, United Kingdom on 21 September 2024 Leicester City FC v Everton FC, King Power Stadium, Leicester, United Kingdom - 21 Sep 2024Everton’s stars rally around the goalscorer
 Joe Giddens/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.Heavy rainfall saw the game momentarily suspended

At least they did not lose again, an achievement in itself after going two goals ahead in their previous two league games, and blowing it to be on the wrong end of a 3-2 scoreline each time.

It was Iliman Ndiaye’s 10th minute strike that put Everton ahead.

But they again faded late in the game – and despite a poor display from Leicester, Steve Cooper’s side still had enough to grab another draw thanks to a 73rd minute goal from the dangerous Stephy Mavididi.

Despite that, Leicester fans lost patience with their team and booed them at half-time and following the final whislte.

Cooper is still looking for his first league win as Leicester boss – and suggestions that this was already looking like an early season battle to stay out of the bottom three did not look too far off the mark.

The signs did not bode well for Everton before the game. Illness in the camp meant that Dyche was only able to name eight subs, and two of those were goalkeepers.

Yet they dominated who dominated the first hour of the game and could have gone ahead after just three minutes when Ndiaye set up Jesper Lindstrom who volleyed wide in front of goal.

But they took the lead when a superb, pinpoint pass from Ashley Young found Ndiaye – and the Senegal midfielder’s shot clipped the inside of the post on ts way in.

Everton continued to create more than Steve Cooper’s side – and Leicester had a scare on the half hour mark when Jamie Vardy fell and appeared to twist his knee.

The Foxes legend limped off after treatment, but then returned to the action.

It was then Everton’s turn to breath a sigh of relief as keeper Jordan Pickford struggled to hold on to a Mavididi cross and almost carried it over the line.

By this time, the heavens had opened a rain tipped down on players and fans in the front rows of the stands.

And with lighting in the air, some questioned whether then teams would have to come off.

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Soccer Football - Premier League - Leicester City v Everton - King Power Stadium, Leicester, Britain - September 21, 2024 Leicester City's Stephy Mavididi scores their first goal Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR 'LIVE' SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 120 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE FOR FURTHER DETAILS..Leicester City’s Stephy Mavididi scores the Foxes’ equaliser
 Stephy Mavididi of Leicester City celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Leicester City FC and Everton FC at The King Power Stadium on September 21, 2024 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)Mavididi dropped to his knees after scoring and offered thanks to the heavens

But the weather did not dampen Dyche’s passion though, and he was booked by ref Darren England for whatever he said from the touchline.

Leicester fans booed their team off at the break as they struggled to break down their opponents.

Ndiaye went close again for Everton, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin had a chance to finish the game when he rounded off a counter-attack with a firm drive which Foxes keeper Mads Hermansen did well to keep out.

Leicester were finishing strongly, knowing that Everton concede late on in games.

Match Stats

Mavididi’s cross found Caleb Okoli – but the ball came at him quickly and he headed over from close range.

But Leicester levelled 17 minutes from time when Mavididi pounced and hooked in the equaliser, as ball riocheted around the six yard box from a corner.

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