Everton versus Leicester – Walcott shines to change Everton’s fortunes

Wednesday’s midweek fixtures saw Everton’s first win in eight games and gave reassurance to the Everton faithful as they saw off an in form Leicester side.

The win will provide Sam Allardyce’s side with a much needed boost in confidence as the Blues will hope that this win can be the start of a run in form. Leicester will however hope to return to winning ways when they host Swansea this weekend.

The game was a tense affair as Everton struggled to hold of Leicester’s efforts and a Jamie Vardy penalty put them 2-1 behind whilst Kelechi Iheanacho hit the crossbar. However, the Blues did enough to take all three points in the midweek clash.

Theo Walcott’s two goals have added to the Englishmen’s improved form after joining Everton for £20 million in the January transfer window as he looks to improve his new sides form. Walcott showed the ability to score much needed goals as he put four shots on target.

Everton had previously only had 25 shots on target in the previous 10 games. He showed impressive movement to get on the end of Gylfi Sigurdsson’s cross and then to follow up on Michael Keane’s header across the box. Walcott appears to be the answer to some of Everton’s temporary problems having scored two and assisting one in his first two appearances.

Everton’s fortunes did not only improve in terms of a win The midweek fixture also saw the return of Seamus Coleman who broke his leg in an international fixture against Wales 10 months ago. Not only were Everton short of defensive options but also of the dynamism that Coleman provides in the Toffees attacking department.

The duo of Coleman and Walcott impressed the fans and Allardyce as his squad continues to be rebuffed. Allardyce also added French defender Eliaquim Mangala in a deadline day loan deal as Everton still seek defensive stability.

However, Everton face a significant challenge this weekend as the travel to the Emirates to face an Arsenal side who will look to debut Piere-Emerick Aubameyang and hand Henrikh Mkhitaryan is first start for the Gunners.

Written by Dom Holt.