Alli's role in the Everton draw could be a "big starting point"
Written byTimes Magazine
Everton manager Frank Lampard believes Dele Alli's performance in the late draw with Leicester will be "a big starting point for him" following his January transfer from Tottenham.
The midfielder has yet to start a game under Lampard but came off the bench after 58 minutes to help Everton turn the game around, and the 26-year-old assisted Richarlison's stoppage-time equalizer.
Everton moved 4 points clear of 18th-placed Burnley, who plays Southampton on Thursday.
Everton had a nightmare start to the game when Harvey Barnes turned in a cross from James Maddison early on. However, after substitutes Alli and Salomon Rondon helped the hosts gain a foothold in the game, the pair assisted Richarlison's eighth season goal, earning Everton a crucial point before games against Liverpool and Chelsea.
According to Lampard, Alli deserved his chance in the team after being "absolutely spot on" in training over the last two weeks.
"It's not easy to ask players who aren't playing much to come in and show your manager that you deserve a chance, but he's done that," Lampard added.
"I was pleased with [his contribution to the goal], and hopefully, that can be a good starting point for him." "So I don't think it was a simple case, and sometimes you have to work and fight through things, and we're in that process with him."
The draw denied Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers his first win at Goodison Park. It squandered a promising start for the visitors, who also squandered several good chances late on through Maddison.
The Foxes have already reached the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League this season, but they are now 11 points behind seventh-placed West Ham, who have played two more games.
A tie that felt like a victory
Everton couldn't make it three wins in a row at home, but after a poor first half, this will feel as good as a win. Leicester's early goal and dominance created a subdued atmosphere in the first half. Despite Richarlison's miscued shot, the home fans were not roused until just before halftime, when Gray fired inches wide from a clever corner.
Leicester had already gone close when Seamus Coleman brought down Kieran Dewsbury-Hall before taking the lead.
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