From the echo:
Everton’s lead against Leicester City was, like their FA Cup run this season, shortlived.
But until the introduction of
Gerard Deulofeu, the Blues didn’t even look like getting that far.
Ronald Koeman’s timely second-half introduction of the Spaniard revolutionised the Everton attack.
Some Blues have become disillusioned with the 22-year-old, but be careful what you wish for in this transfer window – he is one of a kind in the Everton squad.
His first touch against Leicester preceded six or seven step-overs before a disappointing cross cannoned into the first defender and deflected for a corner.
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Grumbles and moans of “same old Geri” from the Goodison faithful followed.
But his willing and sheer determination to never admit defeat is an increasingly admirable trait of the winger.
The next time he received the ball on the right-hand touchline, he dropped his shoulder and skipped passed the Foxes’ left-back Ben Chilwell with a searing burst of pace.
He fired a pinpoint cross into the six-yard box, allowing Romelu Lukaku to convert the easiest of tap-ins.
Granted, Deulofeu is a luxury player. Perhaps not the most consistent man to rely on every week, but boy is he needed.
The defending league champions came to Goodison Park and set up in the same fashion which was so successful for them last season.
Claudio Ranieri’s men sat back, invited pressure and set out to capitalise on any Everton error in the final third.
Koeman’s sides are always organised and well drilled. But such is the make up of this current squad, their attacks are also organised. Too organised at times.
Tom Davies got away with a sloppy pass in the first half when Demarai Gray couldn’t make the most of his opportunity to break, but it was a sign of things to come.
There was a feeling the longer Leicester were in the game, the more inevitable their opportunity to score.
Everton's leggy midfield and at times sluggish defence became increasingly laboured against the pace of the Leicester attack as the game wore on.
In the end, the Blues were outdone by two bursts from Ahmed Musa which left him one-on-one with Joel Robles.
Ashley Williams could only see Musa’s heels get further away during the break for Leicester’s first.
Even a simple one-two between Musa and Danny Drinkwater on the edge of the area was quick enough to unlock the defence for the visitors’ second.
Everton looked a mile off scoring a goal like that. At least until Deulofeu entered the fray.
Enner Valencia, who was arguably Koeman’s best player in the final third, was industrious and far from slow off the ball.
In possession, however, he struggled in his attempts to beat a man.
Ross Barkley, for all his great qualities, does not possess the quick feet and ingenuity of the Spain under-21 international.
Barkley is a strong and powerful runner, who shines when the opposition give him space. But his inventiveness in tight spaces often evades him.
Arouna Kone was so short of game time he looked petrified when he found himself in the box with the ball at his feet.
Kevin Mirallas was also tasked with taking the game to Ranieri’s men but again couldn’t muster the ingenuity to break down the tremendously organised Leicester defence.
Ademola Lookman became Everton’s first signing of 2017 and word from Charlton seems to be that the 19-year-old is a bright spark.
But a teenager, unproven in the top flight, cannot take on all the creative mantle.
With Yannick Bolasie possibly out until 2018 and Memphis Depay no closer to a Goodison switch than he was two months ago, Deulofeu needs to stay.
He is frustrating, and he will have bad games, but he will create.
He will create goals, he will create chances but he will also create an atmosphere when running at defences.
And possibly most important of all, if something doesn’t work, he will always get back up and try again.
Pretty much agree with this.
