Leicester City are yet to win in the Premier League following a disappointing draw against bottom-placed Everton at the King Power Stadium on Saturday,
Goals from Iliman Ndiaye and Stephy Mavididi ensured that the points were shared between the two relegation rivals. Given that Leicester had the home advantage, the result feels closer to a loss. It was quite a timid performance by the Foxes, and the statistics back it up. Let’s have a look at the numbers.
Expected goals (xG) and shots on target.
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Leicester managed to muster an xG of only 0.7, the third time in five games that it has been lower than 1. This is the lowest xG by a team facing Everton this season, with the next lowest 1.4. Not creating chances against the bottom-placed team with the worst defensive record is alarming.
Additionally, the Foxes only had two shots on target, which is their lowest this season. Poor shooting has been a common theme for Leicester this season, with their league total of 16 shots on target ranking them third last.
Jordan Ayew
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His inclusion in the starting lineup was puzzling, given his poor performances in the last two games. Given Everton’s poor defensive record, the more direct Abdul Fatawu seemed the better candidate to start.
Ayew has the tendency to drift inside and link up play. While it does help Leicester have more bodies in the centre, it just didn’t work out today. What the Foxes needed was someone who regularly attacked the fullback. Not only did Ayew not influence play in the final third, he was also kept on the pitch for the full 90 minutes despite looking tired.
The Ghana international made just 15 touches in the attacking third, lower than players such as Harry Winks, Victor Kristiansen, and James Justin. With the defensive-minded Justin as his partner on the right flank, Ayew dropping deep and cutting inside rendered Leicester ineffective on that side.
With Mavididi a threat on the left wing throughout the game, having Ayew take on his fullback on the opposite flank could have added an extra dimension to the attack. It’s time the dynamic Fatawu gets his chance.
The post Leicester City 1-1 Everton – What do the numbers say? first appeared on Premier League News Now. Source - premierleaguenewsnow.com