Abdoulaye Doucoure is calling on his Everton side to produce a repeat performance of the one that put them on the road to survival last season.
For the second consecutive season, the Blues head to the King Power to face Leicester City on Monday night in desperate need of all three points to preserve their top-flight status. Sean Dyche’s side travel to the Midlands, sitting 19th in the table and two points off safety.
But on May 8 last season, Everton clawed their way out of the drop zone, but not before sending their fans on another emotional roller-coaster ride. A stunning volley by Vitalii Mykolenko and Mason Holgate's header gave Frank Lampard's side their third win in five games and ensured they remain in control of their destiny with four games to play.
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The sold-out away end provided the soundtrack to the Blues' 2-1 victory, their voices dominating the King Power for much of the match and then long after it. And Doucoure believes his side need a repeat on Monday if they are to escape the drop.
"It was a massive game last year, I remember, against Leicester," the midfielder recalled. "It is going to be another one on Monday. We have to win games. That's what we need."
Everton’s coach arrived to a sea of blue smoke ahead of Thursday’s 4-1 defeat to Newcastle United, with fans lining up the streets to cheer on their players. Supporters could also be seen banging on the team bus as it drove past, chanting 'Everton', but it didn't have the desired effect.
Two strikes from Callum Wilson and further goals from Joelinton and Jacob Murphy were more than enough to keep Newcastle firmly on course for Champions League qualification. But the defeat leaves the Blues marooned in the drop zone, needing a minor miracle to repeat last season’s great escape from relegation.
And even the most optimistic Everton fan is starting to give up hope, but Doucoure has pleaded with his side’s supporters to stick with his side, claiming they now need them more than ever.
He said: "Of course they were terrific before the game, and they were terrific during the game. The support is big for us.
"We need them more than ever. Even more important than last year because this is very difficult, but they are always here for us, and we really appreciate the support."
And asked how many games his side needed to win to stay up, Doucoure said: "To be honest, I don't know.
"Obviously, we need wins because other teams win games as well. At the end of the season, we have to be safe."
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