Journalist slams Alex Iwobi in Leicester draw, Everton attacker ‘sloppy’ and ‘culpable’
Liverpool Echo journalist Chris Beesley has slammed Everton attacker Alex Iwobi for his “culpable” role in handing the lead to Leicester City on Monday (1 May).
Iwobi gave away possession just after the half-hour mark at the King Power Stadium, with the hosts capitalising immediately as Jamie Vardy
The striker’s effort came after goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Caglar Soyuncu, with Iwobi redeeming himself with his second-half equaliser.
“Alex Iwobi had enjoyed an energetic and industrious first half for the main part but there was no getting away from his culpable role in gifting the lead to Leicester City,” Beesley wrote for the Liverpool Echo.
“While the Nigerian international was halfway up the pitch when he gave away possession, such is the speed of thought and speed of foot in the Premier League, his awkwardly-placed square ball was cut out by Youri Tielemans, who picked out James Maddison to thread through to Jamie Vardy, who had the ball in the back of the Everton net just seconds later.
“It’s not the first time that Iwobi has been guilty of sloppy play but given the way the Blues are struggling for survival this season, he’s far from alone when it comes to pointing the finger of blame.”
Iwobi takes centre stage
Iwobi played a key role for both teams in the 2-2 thriller at the King Power Stadium, with the Nigeria international making up for his error with a well-taken strike to secure a hard-fought point for the visitors.
Both clubs were in desperate need of points going into the game, with both the Foxes and the Toffees heavily involved in the tense ongoing relegation battle.
Perhaps neither will be fully satisfied with a single point, but it is, of course, better than a loss at this crucial stage of the season.
Everton boss Sean Dyche will be keen for Iwobi to continue making all the headlines for the right reasons in the weeks to come, although the manager will need all his players to step up as they face a huge task ahead.
The Toffees have two very difficult challenges against Brighton and Manchester City up next, with any points against either club set to be a miracle given their current spots in the table.