Everton 1-1 Leicester: Impressive performance versus stubborn block

Whether it’s due to injuries or not, Everton’s four at the back is composed of four central defenders, with Mason Holgate and Ben Godfrey playing as the wider defenders. Consequently, Ancelotti’s side are quite narrow and compact, and often play in a recognised deep-block – particularly when leading. Until the opening goal, which as I mentioned earlier was an incredible moment of quality from James Rodríguez, there was only one team playing football – and that was Rodgers’ Foxes.

Harvey Barnes and Marc Albrighton, Leicester City’s starting wingers, played in an unfamiliar role – both as inside forwards. There’s been a few occasions that Barnes has been deployed either in this role or position, but to have both operating in more central areas (or the half-spaces) was unconventional. This did allow the full-backs, Timothy Castagne and James Justin, more freedom to occupy more advanced positions – whilst still remaining wary of the counter attacks through Rodríguez and Richarlison. Ordinarily, Rodgers opts for an inside forward and a wide-winger as a balance.

Early on this was fruitful, especially down the left-side. Barnes was finding a lot of joy receiving the ball between the midfield and defensive line (of Everton’s 4-4-2) and driving into the space – whilst also bypassing any defenders attempting to stop him. Although it didn’t result in any concrete chances, he was fouled multiple times allowing Leicester City opportunities from dead ball situations.

The complexity of the tie grew tenfold once behind – due to Ancelotti asking his side to sit even deeper with an advantage, but the injury to Wilfred Ndidi made the deficit feel like an almost impossible mountain to overcome. Alongside the Italian managers “defensively orientated” system, Everton have also become exceptional at disrupting the fluidity of matches – either though fouls, being fouled or playing for set-pieces. Losing the presence of the Nigerian, and replacing him with Nampalys Mendy, made the home side even more dominant in their physical endeavours.