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Premier League
Feb 22, 2015 at 2.05pm UK
 
LL

2-2

Naismith (57'), Upson (88' og.)
FT(HT: 0-0)
Nugent (63'), Cambiasso (70')

Match Analysis: Everton 2-2 Leicester City

:Headline: Match Analysis: Everton 2-2 Leicester City: ID:207059: from db_amp
Sports Mole looks back over the 2-2 draw between Everton and Leicester City at Goodison Park.

Matt Upson put through his own net two minutes from time to cost Leicester City all three points away at Everton this afternoon.

Steven Naismith broke the deadlock for the hosts after the restart, only for goals from David Nugent and Esteban Cambiasso to put Leicester in front.

It seemed that the visitors had done enough to claim the victory, but Upson diverted Romelu Lukaku's header inside the far post late on to ensure that the spoils would be shared in a 2-2 draw at Goodison Park.

Here, Sports Mole looks back over the contest to determine if a draw was a fair result, or whether Leicester deserved to hang on.

Match statistics

EVERTON
Shots: 18
On target: 3
Possession: 58%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 7

LEICESTER
Shots: 15
On target: 4
Possession: 42%
Corners: 7
Fouls: 6

Was the result fair?

Due to how late the equalising goal arrived, Leicester will feel bitterly hard done by. It is an understandable emotion, particularly because they responded so well to falling behind and looked as though they were heading for what would have been an important three points.

Yet, while Everton's attacking play lacked the necessary pace and intensity at times, the amount of chances that they created cannot be ignored. Had Lukaku brought his shooting boots with him, he could have well claimed a second hat-trick in as many outings. On reflection, a draw was a fair outcome.

Everton's performance

What a difference 12 months make in the Premier League. This time last year, Everton were seventh and had aspirations of making a move for one of the Champions League places. Fast forward to the current day and, following this result, Roberto Martinez's men, who were jeered off by sections of the home fans, find themselves only six points above the relegation zone.

One of the main problems for the Toffees today was a lack of pace, particularly in the final third. Aaron Lennon provided the speed down one flank, but, with the likes of Steven Naismith and Ross Barkley sharing the responsibility on the left wing, there was nobody to truly test Leicester right-back Danny Simpson.

While Lukaku's performance in front of goal may be a cause for concern, he has shown recently that he can find the net What should be more of a worry for Martinez is the seemingly deteriorating relationship between Tim Howard and his defenders. There used to be a really solid understanding, but there appears to be a major lack of trust now, which is leading to costly mistakes.

Leicester's performance

Nigel Pearson has had his critics of late, with reports also suggesting that he is on the verge of losing his job. However, today there were certainly no suggestions that his players are not performing for him.

Granted, they were second best during the first half, but they were well organised and defended extremely well. That is not to say that they did not offer a threat going forward, because they did. The pace of Jeffrey Schlupp and Riyad Mahrez threatened to cause problems, but too often the final pass or shot was not good enough.

The second-half introduction of Nugent and Jamie Vardy certainly swung the encounter Leicester's way, with both offering a bit more dynamism up front. The late equaliser will have left a bitter taste in the mouth, but there were plenty of positives for Pearson and his men to take forward into the 12 big games that remain.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Wes Morgan: Leicester defended very well throughout the game, and none were better than Morgan. The powerful centre-back made a host of crucial blocks and interceptions, while also reading dangerous situations well.

Biggest gaffe

Take you pick from either of the errors committed by Everton goalkeeper Howard. First up, he failed to hold a low cross from Vardy and then, only a few minutes later, he flapped at Simpson's deep cross, which resulted in Leicester's second goal. With Joel Robles waiting in the wings, the American may find himself out of the starting lineup very soon.

Referee performance

It was a quiet afternoon for Phil Dowd, who dished out just the one yellow card. It was the type of display that you want to see from a referee, who was barely noticeable.

What next?

Everton: The Toffees return to Europa League action on Thursday as they look to finish off Swiss side Young Boys, before they travel to Arsenal a week today.

Leicester: Pearson's men now have 10 days off before they face champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

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