Everton 2 Foxes 2 (We win 4-2 on penalties)
Match Report by Graham Tracey
After an unexpected night of wild late momentum swings at Goodison Park, we finally overcame our long-running quarter final hoodoo to tee up a two-legged semi clash with Villa in January – avoiding the Manchester clubs in the post-match draw being the icing on the cake. With memories of overcoming Villa at the same stage in 2000, we must strongly believe we will not just make it to Wembley, but have every chance of lifting the trophy.
While the last 20 minutes of the game led to a lot more physical and emotional energy being spent by the players ahead of our crucial Christmas double-header in the league than had appeared likely, both Man City and Liverpool also had arduous away games tonight. Moreover, I was absolutely delighted that Rodgers fielded virtually a first choice XI – in your face, Puel. The only key players rested were Tielemans and Soyuncu, but this had the enjoyable consequence of four Immortals starting the game, with Albrighton and Morgan joining Schmeichel and Vardy.
For most of the evening, this was an unbelievable stroll for us. The timing of the game appeared unfavourable, with our upcoming schedule and Everton’s revival under Big Dunc Ferguson. The ground was full, and with the curtain set to fall on his caretaker reign, I was sure that the blues (with us in pink) would come out fired up and create a cauldron atmosphere. However, the opening 25 minutes were cagey and the home crowd subdued.
Without Tielemans as a link and with Wes lacking Cags’ skills at ball playing, we did seem slower in moving the ball forward. However, Praet and Albrighton were willing runners, Ndidi gave us many occasions to sing his signature chant with timely interceptions, and Maddison found time on the ball. Everton’s in-form front two of Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin could not get in the game, after an early scare caused by a bad kick from Schmeichel.
Ricardo had already carved out a good chance with a cut back for Perez, who looked hungry on his return to the team, but lacked a clinical edge tonight and blazed over. However, a similar cut back on 25 minutes found Madders, who stroked it home with the ease of Mark Selby potting a black from its spot.
Within minutes, determined play by first Ndidi then Albrighton won a corner, which Vardy flicked on for Evans to hammer home from close range. 3 goals from corners within a few weeks – more than in the past 3 seasons it seems – another throwback to our golden League Cup era under Martin O’Neill!
It really was a case of our players being the tastiest Quality Street, and the Toffees being the ones left behind in the tin. Apart from Mina putting a free header too close to Schmeichel, the rest of the first half was a cruise. No doubt the hairdryer came out on an atrocious weather night at half time, but there was no reaction from Everton in the second half.
They did bring on the lad (Moise Kean) who lasted only 18 minutes after coming on in their last game, leading to much amusement and chanting of “you’re getting subbed in a minute”. Instead, we had great chances to put the game to bed. Pickford rose to beat away Perez’s long-ranger, saved with his legs as Praet broke through, and then we nearly scored a goal for the ages as Vards (who was running their defenders ragged) back-heeled to Albrighton who curled a shot onto the bar
However, on 70 minutes and out of the blue, Davies executed a skilful side-footed volley from the edge of the area and the Everton noise level was suddenly dialled up from 1 to 10. We made defensive changes (Soyuncu and Choudhury), and despite Madders taking some wasteful pop shots instead of retaining possession it looked like we would see out the game.
However, just as injury time was announced, and when we thought we could never concede another goal like Kompany’s title-winner in May, Baines unleased a 30 yard ‘postage stamp’ rocket that raised the roof and led to our players holding hands to heads and sinking to the turf at full time. This was not a capitulation from us, as there was little we could have done about either of their goals.
Given the turn of events and our domination of the match, the penalty shoot-out did not feel like a 50-50 call, as they had all the emotional momentum. Things got worse as Pickford saved Madders’ first kick. However, Kasper dived to his right to save their first two attempts (the second by Baines in a classic fickle finger of fate moment), and cool finishes by Chilwell, Ricardo, Gray and finally Vardy led to wild scenes in our end, particularly in the upper stand where we were permitted to stand right next to the home fans.
Massive credit is due to Brendan for whatever was said before the penalties, and for understanding the importance of cup competitions, and to the players for lifting themselves with the focus and belief to get through. We will have a home game after all in the League Cup this season, and then Wembley here we come!
LEICESTER: Schmeichel 9, Pereira 8, Chilwell 7, Morgan 7, Evans 7, Ndidi 9, Albrighton 7, Praet 8, Maddison 7, Perez 7, Vardy 8 (Subs used: Gray, Soyuncu, Choudhury)
The views expressed in this report are the opinions of the Trust member nominated to file the report only and do not represent the views of the Foxes Trust organisation