Everton overcame a rocky start to edge Leicester City 4-2 in a thrilling English Premier League tie at Goodison Park on Sunday, ending caretaker manager Craig Shakespeare’s 100% winning record with the Foxes as a result.

After the Toffees had suffered a damaging 3-1 loss to derby rivals Liverpool last weekend and were unable to beat Manchester United in midweek, they were under pressure to beat an in-form Leicester City side.

Advertisement

Tom Davies gave Everton a dream start in the 1st minute itself, after Kevin Mirallas had dribbled his way into the Leicester box before tumbling under a challenge. Referee Robert Madley waved play on and Davies was on hand to finish from close range to rouse the Everton faithful.

Their joy was short-lived, however, as the victors broke for a lightning quick counter-attack three minutes later, with Demarai Gray setting up Islam Slimani after sprinting from one box to another. Slimani calmly finished past Joel Robles’ legs to equalise for the Foxes, who would go on to take the lead six minutes later. Marc Albrighton’s free kick from the left wing somehow deceived Robles in the Everton goal to silence Goodison Park and at that moment, it looked like Leicester’s incredible run would continue.

Lukaku, the Premier League’s top-scorer, then headed home an equaliser in the 23rd minute, beating his marker to reach Ross Barkley’s brilliant cross and all of a sudden, the hosts looked the stronger side.

Ronald Koeman’s men then took the lead four minutes before half-time, Phil Jagielka heading home his second goal in as many matches from a Mirallas corner.

With an impressive five goals scored in the first half, the breakneck pace seemed unsustainable and the hosts started to exert control over proceedings in the second period.

Everton weren't content to sit back as they knew Leicester could score anytime, which would again change the complexion of the match.

And Lukaku assured the result three minutes before the hour-mark, volleying home from close range from a Mirallas corner to score his 23rd league goal of the season.

Everton are now tied on points with sixth-placed Arsenal, but the Gunners are ahead by virtue  of a superior goal difference and have played two games less.

Leicester remain in 11th place despite the loss and ideally, could finish as high as 9th come the end of the season.