Everton 4-0 Leicester
by James Nalton
at Goodison Park

A FEELGOOD factor has returned to Goodison Park with David Moyes and so have the wins as Everton defeated Leicester City 4-0 on Saturday.

A goal after 10 seconds from Abdoulaye Doucoure, a brace from Beto, and the icing on the cake late on from the exuberant Iliman Ndiaye gave Everton a convincing win.

Everton recently suffered long-term injuries to two key starters but still managed to claim their third league win in a row.

They were rocked by the news last week that midfielder Orel Mangala would be out for the rest of the season and striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines.

It leaves them lacking centre-forward depth with Beto their only remaining senior player in the position.

The Guinea-Bissau international duly stepped up, bustling his way between Leicester defenders to score twice on what was only his second Premier League start of the season.

Moyes’s other forced change was to bring James Garner in for Mangala. Garner being available to make his first start since October having been out through injury himself was also good timing, and he was another standout player on Saturday.

It was he who sent the pass through for Beto to score his second, cutting straight through the Leicester team.

Moyes spoke of the important connection he’s seen between these players and fans since his return to the club last month.

But he was also wary of getting too carried away as there is plenty of work to do for the rest of the season, and they hope, before the transfer window closes today.

“I enjoyed hearing the crowd and in the second half there was a period where they were brilliant,” Moyes said after the game.

“The last few years have been difficult [for Everton], but today was more like I can remember.

“The connection between the players and supporters is hugely important. Beto’s reception was great.

“I’m thankful for it, but I know we’ve got to keep ourselves steady.”