Spoils shared in chaotically entertaining clash between two Premier League stalwarts

In terms of club stature, we may look back at this as one of the most absurd match-ups in a relegation battle. A former Premier League winner v a stalwart of the division, both seated firmly in the doldrums of the league table, occupying two of the three relegation spots and staring down the barrel of the shotgun that is the EFL Championship.

With Southampton all but mathematically doomed, there were just two spots left in the dreaded drop zone. Whilst Leicester and Everton occupied those spots before the game, Nottingham Forest knew that whatever the result tonight, they themselves would drop into the mire, but with the knowledge of playing the aforementioned Southampton in less than a weeks time.

It was only seven years ago we saw Claudio Ranieri guide Leicester to the Premier League title in the ultimate underdog story, and whilst the squad has much changed since that fairy tale season; the objective quality of the squad doesn’t feel like it has dropped of in line with the performances and the position they find themselves in during the 2022/23 season.

Everton meanwhile, find themselves part of an elite group to have played in every Premier League season, alongside Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool. So the sheer thought of them being relegated is unfathomable to some, but perhaps not to those close to the club who have voiced their concerns about the slow demise of the club. The new era of ownership has proved to be a false dawn for the Merseyside club, who face the prospect of opening a brand new state-of-the-art stadium outside the top tier of English football; a knock to not just the finances, but the pride of the club and it’s fanbase.

Both sides had a lot on the line during the game and it showed. It was frantic, full of mistakes and ill decision despite the quality of player on show. Both goalkeepers played a huge part in the outcome of the game, Jordan Pickford saving a rather dull penalty attempt by James Maddison and Daniel Iversen in the Leicester net putting in what could be his best career performance to keep The Foxes in the game.

The game was a mixture of free-flowing, attacking football and miserable attempts at defending which were a wonderful advert for the Premier League (or Championship).

It felt like neither of these sides should be where they are, but it looked like they should. The likes of Micheal Keane, Gueye, Castagne and Wout Faes at times looked completely out of their depth, whilst Dominic Calvert-Lewin had chances spurned that were evident of a complete lack of confidence and conviction in the England national.

Neither side wanted a draw, but neither side wanted defeat, and it played out like that. Three points were more than vital for both these sides in this fixture with the upcoming schedule of not just themselves, but those around them too.

Just a point now separates Everton in 19th and Leicester in 16th, sandwiching Leeds and Nottingham Forest. Two of those clubs will go down, there will be at least one shocking relegation in the Premier League this season.

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