Tielemans Lauds City’s Ball Management

- Youri Tielemans analyses Leicester City’s 2-0 Premier League win at Everton
- The Belgium midfielder scored another Goal of the Season contender
- Harvey Barnes secured the victory with a goal four minutes from time
- City move up to 13th position in the Premier League standings

The Belgium international star added another goal to his showreel after flicking up James Maddison’s pass with his knee and smashing an unreachable half-volley into the top corner on the stroke of half-time.

Leicester had to defend in stages in the second period, before Harvey Barnes – again assisted by Maddison – wrapped up the three points with a well-taken strike of his own.

The captain on the night said: “It’s a very hard game, because we scored just before half-time, even before that they created a couple of chances with us giving the ball away, so their counter-attacking was really good and it was down to us to try and manage the ball better.

“We scored just before half-time, which puts us good for the second half. At half-time, we said we needed to keep the ball better, to manage the ball better, and I think we did that really well in the second half.

“We saw it through well with some corner-kicks. We had to defend really well as a team and then yes, the second goal, that was really good because you have that relief that you know towards the end of the game that it’s 2-0 and you just have to manage the last few minutes of the game, which we did.”

Wales international Danny Ward had to deny James Tarkowski from a header, as Everton remained a danger throughout the first 45. Tielemans, though, felt City coped with the hosts' threat well, remaining compact in defence to secure their fifth clean sheet in seven Premier League games.

“I don’t think we were frustrated,” Tielemans said after performing well in the first half before his goal arrived. “I think it was more of keeping going and keeping that confidence. We were playing well, but sometimes we had to tidy up a little bit to keep the ball better and manage it better.

“Then, in the final third, we had to make the right pass, make the right shot as well. They had a couple of good blocks as well, and then in the end, we scored and yes, we won!”

Having scored a brilliant goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers on City’s last away trip, Tielemans unleashed another beauty at Goodison Park on Saturday. He was unable to pick his favourite, though.

“I can’t really put it into words, I think I’ll have to watch it again to put it in order, I would say!” he said. “It was a really good goal. The ball came from the left, it was a cross after a really good build-up from our part.

“The ball came to Madders (James Maddison), who sent the ball back to me, and then I just had a touch and shot because I saw the people coming out of the box. So, I took my chance and it went in.”

After the interval, with Leicester leading by one goal, Ward was quick off his line to deny Dominic Calvert-Lewin at a crucial time. While Everton had their moments, City’s collective effort at both ends of the field meant they would return to the East Midlands with a third victory in four matches. Only champions Manchester City have beaten them in that period.

“They had maybe more of the ball, some crosses and corner-kicks as well,” Tielemans said. “I didn’t feel like we were under big pressure, because the team defended really well. Our goalkeeper was fantastic again, so yes, keeping a clean sheet here, winning, it’s really good.

“It was a really good goal, a really good counter-attack. We defended well, got the ball back and went in on the counter. Then, it’s up to the front players to do their magic, and they did it really well.

“We know that we have a really good team, really good players. It’s down to us to perform week in, week out, so we have two more games before the World Cup – in the Carabao Cup and the next away game next week. Hopefully, we can make the best out of it.”

In the away stand at Goodison Park were 2,834 members of the Blue Army, who at full-time embraced the Foxes as they made their way over to show their appreciation. The Club’s fans were vociferous all evening, and Tielemans was happy they could deliver the win for them.

“It was really nice,” the No.8 added. “They are always there to support us, whether we go through tough times or good times, and today was a really good win. I think they enjoyed it as well, and they kind of understand that it’s a really tough place to come. To win like this, it makes it a perfect night.”

Up next for City is a Carabao Cup Third Round tie with Newport County on Tuesday (7:45pm GMT kick-off). Tickets are on general sale for the encounter.