… Jamie Carragher says Everton’s “outstanding” performance in their 2-2 draw with Leicester on Monday Night will cause concern among their relegation rivals as Leeds ponder replacing Javi Gracia with Sam Allardyce.
Leicester City moved out of the relegation zone despite being held to a 2-2 draw at home to fellow strugglers Everton in an incident-packed clash at the King Power Stadium.
Sean Dyche’s Toffees were the more proactive side for the majority of the first period and deservedly broke the deadlock when Dominic Calvert-Lewin slammed home a 15th-minute penalty, Eurosport reports.
Leicester hit back and Caglar Soyuncu slid home a half-volley seven minutes later before Jamie Vardy raced clear to round Jordan Pickford and put the hosts in front just past the half-hour.
Calvert-Lewin then contrived to fluff his lines from three yards out with a contender for miss of the season and he was almost punished seconds later, but Vardy’s clipped effort nicked the crossbar.
Everton suffered a blow just prior to the interval when captain Seamus Coleman was stretched off injured and their misery was almost compounded deep into stoppage time, but James Maddison fired a penalty straight at Pickford.
It was also a key save as Alex Iwobi steered in a cool far-post finish in 54 minutes to drag the visitor’s level.
Both sides pressed for a winner but neither created a truly clear-cut opening as they were forced to settle for a share of the spoils.
The result sees the Foxes move out of the drop zone and into 16th spot on goal difference from Leeds and Nottingham Forest, who are all on 30 points. Everton remain one point further back in 19th place.
Leicester will aim to continue their survival push when they visit Fulham next Monday night while Everton face a tough trip to Brighton.
Carragher feels their much-improved display shows they may yet have what it takes to beat the drop.
“It’s a big point for Everton, but also the performance,” he said.
“I think they were outstanding in the game. Yes, Leicester had the chance to make it 3-1, but with that performance from Everton, we saw the reaction of the fans.
“It was much improved and, as the game went on, you felt like if one team was going to get a winner, it would be Everton.
