'Superstar' James Maddison inspires Leicester to reaffirm World Cup claims
07:53 PM
Report
Maddison masterclass keeps World Cup dream alive
Brendan Rodgers’s pre-match team talk to his Leicester City players at Goodison Park must have been simple: “Give it to James Maddison and let him try to book his flight to Qatar.”
Maddison can do no more after another beguiling performance in the 2-0 win over Everton. He has been pushing for that golden ticket like Charlie buying a consignment of Wonka bars.
“He is a superstar,” said his manager. “This boy is built for a World Cup. That is his stage in front of 55,000. He is one of the best players in the Premier League who happens to be English.”
Gareth Southgate’s omission of Maddison has been contentious. There have been suggestions his exile – he has only one England cap – is due to character more than ability. “A narrative has been created,” said Rodgers in what amounted to a persuasive character reference. “He has matured. I cannot buy the joy I get working with him every day. You would pay to watch him train. He is that good.”
Should Southgate still be unconvinced by the most technically efficient and – more pertinently – in-form English midfielder in the country, perhaps Harry Kane will offer a gentle nudge on his behalf.
Imagine Kane pouncing on one of the many perfectly weighted Maddison through balls in this majestic 90 minutes.
Youri Tielemans’s joining in the nearby firework display with a rocket of his own confirmed Leicester’s superiority, but the sparks came whenever Everton were led a merry dance down Maddison Avenue. The final, lingering image was of Maddison teeing up Harvey Barnes for Leicester’s second on 87 minutes.
Here is the “X-factor” footballer that can transform Southgate’s options. It is impossible to imagine 26 England players who are performing at this level at the moment.
In fairness, Southgate’s England “shortlist” must have been chiselled down to the last 150 by now – especially if he has considered the demands for inclusion from every groupie championing their favourite. With decision time upon him, this must have felt like the ultimate game of wildcards.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin last glimmer of hope was surely extinguished with another untimely hamstring injury – he needs a scan to assess the damage – but the more compelling case has always been Maddison’s. Even Pep Guardiola might secretly recognise he is playing with more purpose and penetration than Jack Grealish.
His determination to leave his mark on this fixture was obvious within 20 seconds, deftly directing a pass to Patson Daka which might have led to the opening goal. He was close to it himself on at least three occasions, deflected shots inches wide. Rodgers was regularly applauding the ambition on the touchline.
The greatest compliment that could be paid the attacking midfielder is you could sense the anxiety of the home crowd whenever he took possession. He is at the top of his game trying to be productive each time he gets on the ball – quick, incisive, forward-thinking and on a ceaseless quest for the killer pass or shot. Frank Lampard charitably acknowledged he was the game’s class act.
Maddison’s influence guaranteed a game of contrasts – Leicester’s more choreographed passing against Everton’s initial tenacity.
Where Maddison shone for Leicester, Idrissa Gana Gueye did so for Everton before being forced off with a quad injury at half-time. Everton suffered without him.
The home side’s best chance came on four minutes when Gueye was sharp in the tackle, winning possession high up the pitch from Boubakary Soumaré.
Calvert-Lewin picked out midfielder Alex Iwobi, who was narrowly wide.
That aside, James Tarkowski and Amadou Onana went close with headers from Dwight McNeil’s first half corners, but this proved a chastening evening – an unsurprising reminder that there are always bumps in the road when rebuilding.
Leicester ended the half euphoric as Tielemans unleashed what might now be considered a trademark thunderbolt, finding the top corner with a volley.
Although Calvert-Lewin should have equalised after 49 minutes – unable to clip Iwobi’s pass over the onrushing keeper Danny Ward – his exit removed Everton’s cutting edge.
Their vulnerabilities on the counter-attack were reinforced when Maddison clipped the outside of the post after another example of his wizardry.
His influence was rewarded three minutes from time when another cute pass with the outside of his foot gave Barnes the time to control and slam past Pickford.
“I would be lying if I said it was not in my mind because the World Cup is nearly here and that is the pinnacle,” said the 25-year-old.
“I always say the same answer, if I focus on my performance for Leicester hopefully that does catch the eye of the England manager, but that is out of my control.”
This is a footballer who should not be on the verge of a winter break.
As it happened: Everton 0 Leicester City 2
07:39 PM
Youri Tielemans on THAT goal
I am really happy, it was one of them where I tried to hit it perfectly and it was really good.
07:39 PM
James Maddison on World Cup hopes
I would be lying if I said it was not in my mind because the World Cup is nearly here and that is the pinnacle. I always say the same answer, if I focus on my performance for Leicester hopefully that does catch the eye of the England manger, but that is out of my control.
07:36 PM
Leicester leapfrog Everton
Everton drop to 15th with Leicester leapfrogging them from 18th to 13th. Is Frank Lampard now under pressure?
07:33 PM
A James Maddison masterclass
James Maddison’s game by numbers vs. Everton:
90% pass accuracy
67 touches
5 ground duels won
4 key passes
3 dribbles completed
2 interceptions
2 assists
Magical Madders. ✨ pic.twitter.com/gumqSXZggH— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 5, 2022
07:26 PM
Who was your man of the match?
In my view Wout Faes and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall played brilliantly but it was James Maddison who really shone, but how do you think everyone played?
Get involved now with our brilliant new Player Ratings tool.
07:25 PM
Fulltime: Everton 0-2 Leicester City
James Maddison waltzes through the Everton defence and they clear it for a corner but the ref blows the final whistle before it can be taken.
Leicester leave Goodison Park with three points and they're well deserved. It sounded like a couple of boos coming from a small section of the home fans though.
07:23 PM
92 mins: Everton 0-2 Leicester City
James Maddison nutmegs Garner in the middle of the park before setting Barnes free but his shot is deflected across goal.
07:22 PM
91 mins: Everton 0-2 Leicester City
It's sub time. Tielemans off, to a standing ovation from the travelling supporters, with Nampalys Mendy coming on. I'm still thinking about that Tielemans goal, well worth scrolling further down to watch again.
07:21 PM
90 mins: Everton 0-2 Leicester City
Three minutes of added time here. The away fans are singing and Wout Faes is telling his teammates to calm down. Can Leicester see this out?
07:20 PM
88 mins: Everton 0-2 Leicester City
An Everton chance! A high corner eventually falls in the box with Anthony Gordon's shot on goal blocked before a scramble results in Leicester clearing it.
07:18 PM
GOAL! Barnes!
Everton had been attacking at will but they never really looked dangerous and they've been punished. The counter comes and Maddison and Barnes interchange passes up the left hand side of the pitch before Maddison bursts into the box and cuts the ball back to Barnes who takes a touch and shoots it past Pickford. A deserved lead for Leicester.
Barnes finishes off a devastating counter-attack!! 🔥
That's surely all three points for Leicester now?! pic.twitter.com/cNvCX52376— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 5, 2022
07:15 PM
83 mins: Everton 0-1 Leicester City
Everton again look to build from the back after a Leicester corner amounted to nothing for the visitors. We'll need to see something special here because Frank Lampard's team have looked devoid of creativity for the most part tonight.
07:11 PM
80 mins: Everton 0-1 Leicester City
Only 10 minutes left of this and Everton have a corner which Garner will take, can it amount to anything...
...no. The ball is cleared by the first defender, going out for an Everton throw and they need to build again.
07:09 PM
77 mins: Everton 0-1 Leicester City
Another sub, this time it's Leicester's third. Marc Albrighton coming on for Dewsbury-Hall. He's one of the few players remaining from their historic Premier League title win.
07:07 PM
75 mins: Everton 0-1 Leicester City
Everton are pushing forward but it's just opening up chances for Leicester to counter when they get the ball. Leicester again get the ball forward with Maddison and Barnes but they can't turn it into anything.
07:05 PM
73 mins: Everton 0-1 Leicester City
A Leicester counter sets Barnes free as he closes in on goal but as soon as he enters the box he takes a shot which isn't hit hard or accurately enough to trouble Pickford.
07:04 PM
72 mins: Everton 0-1 Leicester City
Would you believe it Leicester just got caught offside and that was the first time the linesman has raised his flag for offside in this game.
07:02 PM
70 mins: Everton 0-1 Leicester City
It's double-double sub time with Everton making their final changes as Anthony Gordon and Nathan Patterson come on for McNeil and Coleman.
For Leicester it's goodbye Daka and Soumare and hello to Jamie Vardy and Wilfred Ndidi.
06:58 PM
66 mins: Everton 0-1 Leicester City
Hearts in mouths for Leicester City fans as Danny Ward goes for a Cruyff turn in front of an on-rushing Everton forward. He just about pulls it off and plays the ball to Faes.
06:56 PM
64 mins: Everton 0-1 Leicester City
Wout Faes is everywhere for Leicester today. The Belgian hasn't been at the club long and he already looks like their best defender.
06:52 PM
60 mins: Everton 0-1 Leicester City
World Cup dream over for Calvert-Lewin? The Everton striker goes down and looks to have a muscle injury, he's substituted and walks straight down the tunnel.
Neal Maupay comes on in his place, in addition to that chance Abdoulaye Doucoure comes on for Onana.
06:50 PM
59 mins: Everton 0-1 Leicester City
Gareth are you watching? Maddison has another shot at goal and it's so close to sneaking in but he's denied by the post.
06:49 PM
58 mins: Everton 0-1 Leicester City
A long, hopeful ball forward for Leicester almost ends with a chance! Pickford was way too far out of his goal and Patson Daka looked to have the run on Mykolenko but the Ukrainian managed some ballet-like footwork to open up his body and reach the ball. An impressive bit of defending given that it looked like he was losing the battle.
06:48 PM
56 mins: Everton 0-1 Leicester City
James Garner gets through on goal as he runs into the left side of the box but he totally scuffs his shot/pass so badly that it's hard to tell what it was even meant to be.
06:46 PM
54 mins: Everton 0-1 Leicester City
It's got to be said that James Justin has been playing very well today on the left side of the defence. With Ben Chilwell's injury he's surely in with a great shot of making England's World Cup squad but do we need a right-footed LB? Not for me, Clive.
06:42 PM
50 mins: Everton 0-1 Leicester City
Daniel Amartey plays the ball from the right hand side, it goes up into the channel with Patson Daka rushing onto it. Daka looks up at goal and then hammers it up into the sky. A great ball and great run let down by a rush of blood to the head.
06:40 PM
48 mins: Everton 0-1 Leicester City
Some outstanding play from Everton, arguably their best moment so far. Dewsbury-Hall gets his pocket pinched at the halfway mark before Gray plays it to Iwobi on the right wing. Iwobi cuts back inside, plays the one-two with Gray who plays it back into his path, just at the edge of the area before Iwobi slides in a delicious ball to DCL who can't get it past the onrushing Ward.
06:36 PM
46 mins: Everton 0-1 Leicester City
We've restarted with Everton on the attack.
James Garner has also come on for Idrissa Gueye.
06:28 PM
Halftime player ratings
Get a load of this! We have a brand new tool so that you can rate each player during the game and then track player ratings live as the game progresses. Take a look now at this special bit of kit now and let us know just how good James Maddison has been.
06:22 PM
Chris Bascombe's halftime report, live from Goodison Park
First time watching James Maddison live this season. Hard to believe his England place is not already guaranteed. Feels like something will happen every time he gets on the ball - quick, incisive, forward-thinking and always looking for the killer pass or shot. Biggest compliment is you can sense the anxiety of the home crowd whenever he takes possession. He has been the best player on the pitch in the first half by some distance, although Tielemans’ goal on the stroke of half-time was a rocket fit for that firework display.
06:22 PM
Halftime: Everton 0-1 Leicester City
What a first half. We've had fireworks, both literarily and figuratively, a James Maddison masterclass and the November goal of the month from Youri Tielemans.
06:20 PM
45 mins: Everton 0-0 Leicester City
Everton get forward as they look to strike back immediately but Onana can't direct the ball goalwards. Perhaps he's still thinking about that Tielemans strike. I know I am.
06:19 PM
GOAL! Tielemans!
Hold the front page, Youri Tielemans has just scored the goal of the month, if not the season. The Belgian, a metre outside of the area, cushions a ball from Maddison on his thigh then volleys it to the top left corner. Top bins, top corner, whatever you want to call it, that was special.
An absolute ROCKET from Tielemans! SENSATIONAL 💥🤯 pic.twitter.com/wicf3xVyzY
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 5, 2022
06:17 PM
43 mins: Everton 0-0 Leicester City
The games been halted for a minute after a one-metre rocket from a nearby fireworks display landed on the edge of the pitch. We're back underway now and as for the firework, it's now on Nottingham Forest's transfer targets list for January.
06:15 PM
42 mins: Everton 0-0 Leicester City
A Mykolenko cross for Everton hits DCL but it was Iwobi behind him who was in a better position to head it goalwards.
06:14 PM
41 mins: Everton 0-0 Leicester City
Tarkowski opts to leave the ball as it heads towards Pickford from a sliding tackle, but he shouldn't have and Patson Daka is onto it and five yards from goal on the left hand side but Pickford manages to smother it and stop a great opportunity.
06:13 PM
40 mins: Everton 0-0 Leicester City
Everton have a corner and an excellent delivery is met by Onana who heads the ball over the bar. He should have done better.
06:10 PM
37 mins: Everton 0-0 Leicester City
James Tarkowski loses the ball and it's four-on-four with Leicester on the attack. James Maddison receives the ball and dribbles across the box, from right to left, before his tame shot gets deflected wise.
06:08 PM
From Chris Bascombe, our man at Goodison Park
People often wonder why Jordan Pickford looks so calm playing for England. It is because nothing at international level compares to the wrath of the Gwladys Street when he slices a goal kick straight to the opposition. He has done it twice this first half, on both occasions the howls of derision drowning out the firework show which appears to be taking place directly behind the Main Stand.
06:06 PM
33 mins: Everton 0-0 Leicester City
DCL runs with the ball from deep within his own half, beating players with his feet and also using the run of Onana to take defender away. He gets it into the box but eventually runs out of ideas and his shot is blocked.
06:03 PM
30 mins: Everton 0-0 Leicester City
Leicester are all over Everton here. Maddison central to it as usual, he plays a one two with Tielemans, picks up the ball as it's returned and showcases his footwork as he uses the outside of his right foot to curl one at goal but it's blocked.
06:02 PM
27 mins: Everton 0-0 Leicester City
Another series of Leicester attacks in quick succession. Dewbury-Hall has a shot but Tarkowski blocks it away after throwing his body at it. Then Maddison picks up the ball and beats a man, before shooting it at Pickford.
An explosive flurry from Leicester, in keeping with the fireworks going off very loudly outside of the stadium. It is of course bonfire night.
05:59 PM
26 mins: Everton 0-0 Leicester City
Unselfishly Maddison plays a lofting ball from the freekick rather than a shot on goal but Pickford palms it away before it can fall to a Leicester attacker.
05:58 PM
25 mins: Everton 0-0 Leicester City
Gueye steps across Maddison and brings him down. The freekick is on the right hand side of the box, about 35 yards out and Maddison definitely fancies this.
05:55 PM
22 mins: Everton 0-0 Leicester City
A freekick from Everton's right, but this time it's Everton on the offensive. The deep cross find Tarkowski but his headed effort is brilliantly saved by Ward in the Leicester net.
05:54 PM
21 mins: Everton 0-0 Leicester City
Everton's right side again! Dewsbury-Hall from a central position, plays the ball into acres of space and Harvey Barnes elects to shoot rather than run with the ball, but he hits in miles over.
05:53 PM
20 mins: Everton 0-0 Leicester City
Leicester are having some luck down Everton's right side, with a number of attacks looking like they're targeting Seamus Coleman. This time Dewsbury-Hall slips when making a run at goal.
05:51 PM
17 mins: Everton 0-0 Leicester City
It looks like Harvey Barnes is in a footrace with Conor Coady down the left wing but the Leicester man fouls Coady. Luckily for Everton as Barnes had the beating of him.
05:47 PM
14 mins: Everton 0-0 Leicester City
A headed Everton clearance falls to Daka who plays it into Maddison, inside the box, who hits a snapshot right at the keeper. He should have played the one-two with Daka showing great movement into space. Perhaps too eager to please?
05:43 PM
10 mins: Everton 0-0 Leicester City
Daka nearly creates a chance, just getting to a ball before Pickford but his touch is heavy and it's out for a goalkick.
05:43 PM
8 mins: Everton 0-0 Leicester City
An absolute peach of a ball from Iwobi on the right hand side almost sets Calvcrt-Lewin off but it's slightly too hard and DCL's first touch isn't quite enough. Iwobi looking menacing so far.
05:39 PM
7 mins: Everton 0-0 Leicester City
The away side attack again, this time Daka crosses but Maddison hits out for a goalkick. Really vibrant start to this one.
05:39 PM
5 mins: Everton 0-0 Leicester City
So close to an opener! Gueye wins the ball back just outside Leicester's box after they get caught daydreaming, Gueye plays it to Calvert-Lewin who slides it to Alex Iwobi who flashes it across the face of goal. The form he's been in you'd expect him to have buried that.
05:36 PM
3 mins: Everton 0-0 Leicester City
Dewsbury-Hall is in the action again, playing a ball into Daka who shots it straight at Jordan Pickford.
05:35 PM
1 min: Everton 0-0 Leicester City
Leicester start with a bang, nearly taking the lead after just 16 seconds. Dewsbury-Hall runs down the left with real purpose, playing the ball into James Maddison , who flicks it to Daka who can't bury it. Wow.
05:33 PM
We're underway
The action is underway at Goodison Park.
05:30 PM
Predictions update
As you can read below we now have a brand spanking new predictor, so you can let us know how you think this game will go. Here are the most popular results so far:
Everton 2-1 Leicester (29%)
Everton 1-1 Leicester (6%)
Everton 2-0 Leicester (6%)
Looks like it's only me going for a Leicester win then. If you're quick you can get your prediction in!
05:27 PM
The players are out
It's time for the handshakes which means one thing, the game is nearly ready to go, so quickly grab a drink and let's get ready to this to get going.
05:21 PM
Head to head record
The last six meetings haven't been kind to Leicester City, who haven't won any. Everton have taken home the spoils in three of the past six, including the most recent meeting in May, with the other three finishing tied.
05:15 PM
Referee watch
David Coote will be taking charge of today's game. He's officiated six Premier League games this season and has given out just 16 yellow cards, an average of 2.67 per game.
05:14 PM
Key stats
Everton haven't lost any of their past six games against Leicester in all competitions.
There have been three or more goals scored in each of Leicester's past six games on the road.
05:07 PM
Our man at Goodison, Chris Bascombe, previews today's game...
One would imagine Brendan Rodgers has a simple teamtalk today.
“Give the ball to James Maddison and let his desperation to impress Gareth Southgate do the rest.”
One would imagine Frank Lampard has a simple teamtalk today.
“Give the ball to Dominic Calvert-Lewin and let his desperation to… well… you know the rest.”
Time has almost lapsed for the outsiders hoping to do some Christmas shopping in the Qatar malls (and play a bit of football for England), but Maddison and Calvert-Lewin might be fighting each other for possession at Goodison Park today.
04:47 PM
Team news klaxon
Everton: Pickford, Coleman (C), Coady, Tarkowski, Mykolenko, Onana, Gueye, Iwobi, McNeil, Calvert-Lewin, Gray.
Everton subs: Begovic, Patterson, Holgate, Keane, Gordon, Doucoure, Maupay, Davies, Garner.
Leicester: Ward, Castagne, Amartey, Faes, Justin, Soumare, Maddison, Tielemans (C), Dewsbury-Hall, Barnes, Daka.
Leicester subs: Iversen, Vestergaard, Thomas, Mendy, Ndidi, Albrighton, Perez, Iheanacho, Vardy.
04:34 PM
How do you think today's match will play out?
You can predict the outcome with our snazzy new predictor tool. I'm going for Leicester 2-1, how about you?
04:31 PM
Good afternoon
Welcome to our live coverage as Everton host Leicester City at Goodison Park, which kicks off at 5.30pm.
At times last season Everton were woeful with Frank Lampard's team narrowly avoiding relegation. However the club stuck by their man and despite the loss of Richarlison they have improved this season.
Through a mixture of coaching and smart moves in the transfer market they look like a team on an upward trajectory for the first time since those heady days immediately following the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti.
The signings of Conor Coady and James Tarkowski have been a masterstroke. It was the defence that let them down so much last year and the addition of two hugely experienced Premier League defenders has greatly improved their fortunes. The two players, both former captains of their previous clubs, have also added leadership that was missing in the last campaign.
Perhaps the biggest benefactor of Lampard's reign at Everton has been Alex Iwobi. Iwobi, once highly rated at Arsenal, looked like a player who was beginning a slow fall down the leagues but he's reborn this season.
The Nigerian has been playing more centrally and has become the archetypal eight. He's already racked up five assists in 13 Premier League matches and has arguably become their key player.
Leicester's key player is another creative force, James Maddison, but the 25-year old has also been hugely important in front of goal this season. His six in just 11 Premier League games has made him the club's top scorer, ahead of both Jamie Vardy and Patson Daka who only have four goals combined.
Maddison is currently on pace to beat his best Premier League tally of 12 and will be hoping that his continued brilliance will force the hand of Gareth Southgate to select him in England's 26-man squad for the World Cup.
Leicester came into the weekend 18th in the Premier League table and despite their struggles, they are only three points off Saturday's opponents Everton, who sit six points higher in 12th.
If Brendan Rodgers team were to get a win on the road today it'll instantly begin to alleviate the concerns around their Premier League survival, while also bursting the bubble on Everton's strong start to the season and potentially dragging them back in to the dogfight.
