Leicester Edged At Goodison Park
Heading into the game on the back of a 5-1 triumph over Peterborough United, Claude Puel made nine changes to his starting XI for the fixture on Merseyside.
His men started well as centre back Harry Maguire headed over from inside the box, before Wilfred Ndidi nodded onto the crossbar shortly after.
Marc Albrighton threatened from the wing with some fine deliveries early on, but Everton, against the run of play, went ahead as Theo Walcott slotted in from close range.
A big opportunity followed for Oumar Niasse, and while the striker fired wide on 37 minutes, Walcott would not squander his side’s next chance.
A Michael Keane header fell to the former Arsenal man, who at the back post drilled home from a tight angle for 2-0.
After the break, Kasper Schmeichel pulled off a good stop at the front post to turn Gylfi Sigurdsson’s effort to safety, while he did well just moments later to smother a dangerous cross from the returning Seamus Coleman.
City were then handed a lifeline with just under 20 minutes to play. Wayne Rooney was penalised for a foul on Ndidi in the box to give the Foxes an opportunity to get right back into the game.
Jamie Vardy took it, as he sent England colleague Jordan Pickford the wrong way to halve the deficit - his 11th Premier League strike of the season.
City piled on the pressure late on and it was substitute Kelechi Iheanacho who came closest to netting an equaliser, as the Nigeria international hit the crossbar and then the post in quick succession.
Then, Matty James had an effort denied by Cuco Martina, before Aleksandar Dragović was on hand to clear off the line in the closing stages – the final action of an end-to-end game at Goodison Park.
Major moment
Unfortunate not to be in front inside the opening 10 minutes following efforts from Harry Maguire and Wilfred Ndidi, Theo Walcott’s first goal for Everton proved to be a real sucker punch for the Foxes.
They were without doubt on top prior to Everton’s opener but City couldn’t take their early chances and the hosts capitalised.
Who impressed?
“Marc Albrighton started fantastically. He put in some brilliant crosses from corners tonight and City looked a real threat.” – Sean St Ledger, LCFC Radio
Marc Albrighton’s performance against the Toffees showed just why he’s made 200 appearances in the Premier League across his career.
His deliveries caused havoc for Everton’s defence at times, while his work rate, as always, was exceptional.
Where do we stand?
The Foxes drop one position, down to eighth, after Burnley earned a 1-1 draw with Newcastle United at St. James’ Park.
Coming up…
City have an opportunity to bounce back immediately as they host Swansea City at King Power Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick-off).