A point gained or two points dropped? Even those involved couldn’t make up their minds but given where Everton almost found themselves going into the break at the King Power Stadium – staring into the abyss had they gone 3-1 down despite a first 45 minutes that they’d dominated for long periods – then at least a share of the spoils keeps them within touching distance of their rivals for Premier League survival.
As opposition manager Dean Smith stated, had Leicester City won one and lost one of their last two games rather than draw them both then they’d be a point better off but it’s unclear whether they’d actually be in a more favourable position given that either Everton or Leeds United would have won. Such are the fine margins right now in the battle at the bottom but following a weekend in which those immediately above them failed to pull further clear, this was a ‘must-not-lose’ for the Blues to prevent the Foxes from opening up a four point cushion on them.
It was another admirable comeback from Everton to add to the 2-2 draw at Chelsea and 1-1 draw at home to Tottenham Hotspur but if they’re going to survive then at some point soon these share of the spoils must turn into victories. A new manager bounce saw Sean Dyche pick up three wins from his first seven matches – the same total that predecessor Frank Lampard had achieved in 20 matches before him this season – but the stark truth is right now that the Blues have now only beaten an opponent once in their last 11 games, when they took the lead against Brentford within the first minute and clung on for the 90 plus that followed.
