April 21, (THEWILL) – Richarlison’s injury-time goal secured Everton a 1-1 draw with Leicester, boosting their Premier League survival prospects.
Everton’s 19th defeat of the season appeared to be sealed when Harvey Barnes’ fifth-minute goal looked to have given Brendan Rodgers’ side all three points, but the Brazilian’s late goal from Dele Alli’s cross has given them a four-point lead over Burnley in the quest for survival.
At a raucous Goodison Park, Leicester came near to scoring in the first minute, but captain Seamus Coleman’s last-ditch challenge prevented Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from putting the ball in the net.
The vibrant environment did not deter the visitors, who took an early lead just a few minutes later.
Youri Tielemans and Ricardo Pereira combined well to play in James Maddison, and the in-form midfielder’s cut-back was turned home by Barnes from close range after Kelechi Iheanacho’s initial attempt to score.
Soon after, Maddison could have made it two, but his shot was blocked by Jordan Pickford. Everton also missed the chance to level up through Richarlison. When it looked easier to score, the Brazilian contrived to pad the ball wide of Kasper Schmeichel’s post after being picked out by Anthony Gordon.
Everton’s lack of urgency, given their precarious league position, was a real surprise. Demarai Gray had the only other real chance of the half, bending the ball just wide of the far post after a neat corner routine.
Following the break, Leicester seemed the more likely to extend their lead, with Pickford saving a strong effort from Maddison after Schmeichel had denied Richarlison at the other end.
Dele Alli’s half-hour cameo did not appear to be enough to turn the game around, but his late scuffed cross found Richarlison, who had just wasted another golden opportunity minutes before. This time, however, he bundled the ball into Schmeichel’s far corner to earn a share of the points.
Following the completion of this twice-postponed match, the two sides will meet again at the King Power Stadium next month. Between now and then, Everton must face Chelsea and arch-rivals Liverpool, while Leicester must battle Aston Villa before meeting Roma in the Conference League semi-finals next week.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
