Well we've got to be happy with that, especially having lost Drinky so early. I thought Everton looked brilliant every time they attacked in the first half and two sublime finishes, arguably blemished a very good defensive performance. I thought Wes, Moore and Kasper were excellent.
I actually predicted that our fitness would be the key and I thought we'd dominate the second half because of the lack of fitness the Everton players would have gained from preseason and we did what we have done so often in recent times and came back with a late goal.
It was very pleasing that we caused them a fair few problems but I think the most encouraging thing was our finishing, which was absolutely clinical today. Brilliant for Ulloa to get off the mark and surely Wood is doing his case for fighting to stay a great chance. That was a very composed finish which can't be said about Schlupps effort that picked out the the fat kid in row z.
We played some decent football at times too and Trevor Francis quoted "The build up there from leicester was as good as we've seen all game, as good as the Everton build up in the first half." which is some compliment given the quality Everton displayed in the first half. I thought overall a draw was a fair result. What does everyone else think?
Now around the grounds. It was obviously brilliant to see United lose at home to Swansea, again. It's always good to see West Ham lose. Also always good to see QPR lose and once again prove they're still not good enough. Ferdinand also did my case for him to be one of the flop signings of the season no harm at all. Finally with QPR, watching Sky Sports News cream all over Austin earlier, for him to then miss a penalty also put a smile on my face. West Brom could only manage a draw against Sunderland and Stoke proved they're very beatable at home. A comfortable Arsenal win to prove how poor Palace are without Pulis is what I'm hoping for now to cap an almost perfect day.
On to Chelsea now then and hopefully the unveiling of Cambiasso. Welcome to the Premier League boys and girls 👍
Successful first day all round
posted on 16/8/14
Leicester 2-2 Everton
Everton manager Roberto Martinez: "It is a bit of a mixed feeling because we knew it was going to be a difficult fixture against a team with promotion and a good feel about them.
"We were a little bit soft in the way we conceded the first goal and then when we got the second goal we were a little relaxed and it was a bit too easy. Overall, disappointed that I feel we threw two points away.
"The first half display we were always on the front foot, causing problems. In the second half we did the same without a penetrating edge. I'm sure that for Leicester it will feel like a victory and for us a defeat, but it is a start."
18:28:
Leicester 2-2 Everton
Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson: "We certainly deserved something out of the game. There was an element of bad luck for both of their goals. Having defended the shot it took an unbelievable strike for the first and the second was a good finish but we felt we we worth being level at half time.
"To come away with a point bodes well for the players showing belief but we do have more quality than we have shown today.
"There's an element of bedding in when you come to the top flight. We have to believe in ourselves but the players will have taken many positives.
"It's nice to come away with something and they are a good side wit quality individuals but I'm convinced our players can adapt to life in the Premier league."
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Sounds like two different game,what colour were Roberto's shoes today?
posted on 16/8/14
I thought de Laet did alright to be honest and he was as much exposed by Mahrez not defending as well as he could have.
Also let's be honest, Baines and Pienaar were excellent in the first half and I think many teams would have struggled with their movement and precise passing. That said they needed two unstoppable goals to penetrate us and Kasper didn't really have to pull off too many saves all game so that's encouraging. I thought we defender brilliantly and definitely deserved a point.
posted on 16/8/14
It seemed like you got ahead and then tried to defend the lead in the second half, which played into our hands and gave us the opportunity to put you under a lot of pressure. We did this so often last season so it was great to see our persistent pressure pay off against a quality side like Everton.
I think both sides should be happy but conceding so late does tend to feel like a defeat or a win depending on which side of the stands you're in.
posted on 16/8/14
I was gutted that we conceded so late,but the Leicester fans seem a good bunch,so I'm over it now.
I'm just watching Palace,looks like they'll be hard nut to crack yet again this season.
posted on 16/8/14
I find you lot a good bunch too to be honest, unlike our dingle West Midlands neighbours, West Brom who are extremely difficult to have a sensible debate with.
Genuinely hope you can crack the top four and get above Arsenal 👍
posted on 16/8/14
Well thank you kind Sir.
posted on 16/8/14
Really good performance, especially the 2nd half
Everton totally controlled the 1st half and showed the quality they have
Their first goal told us all we need to know in regards to how easily you will be punished
2nd half we we far better and matched them and deserved a point I think
Morgan and Moore were massive at the back and don't thin Schmeichel had a save to make 2nd half
Barry was a lucky boy to stay on the pitch after a clear 2nd yellow card was avoided.
I hope DD's injury is not too bad though to be fair Hammond did a decent job
Let's hope we get Cambiasso in next week and Albrighton and Vardy to come back also.
All in all extremely happy with that start
Small matter of Chelsea and Arsenal for us next. Ouch
posted on 16/8/14
Two away games now where we're not expected to get anything and a good performance will be a good result before United at home which we have to feel like we have a chance of a similar result to today and Everton are arguably better than United 😉
posted on 16/8/14
Delighted with a point. Thought Everton looked excellent in spells though im surprised by their second half performance.
Our boys dug in and I thought competed pretty well. Im more confident of our survival chances today than I was yesterday. There's a lot of togetherness in that squad and I think theres a bit of talent in there too.
The fans were brilliant today. Great day.
posted on 16/8/14
Yep all in all a good day. Good result against what was a good Everton side, particularly in the first half and a good performance by our boys. Encouraging thing is that I know we can play better and with players still to come back im certain we'll stay up. Having said that I thought king and Hammond who weren't regular starters last season were very good.
Roll on Chelsea