Everton’s tactical adjustments in their draw against Leicester City played a crucial role in securing a hard-fought result. By adapting their defensive structure, adjusting their pressing intensity, and making key positional changes, Everton managed to contain Leicester’s attacking threats while maintaining their own offensive opportunities.

Key Tactical Adjustments by Everton

1. Compact Defensive Shape & Deep Block

• Everton tightened their defensive lines, ensuring Leicester had minimal space to exploit in the final third.
• The midfield duo of Idrissa Gueye and Amadou Onana provided crucial protection in front of the defense, cutting off passing lanes.
• The backline remained narrow and disciplined, forcing Leicester to rely on wide play rather than central penetration.

2. Tweaked Pressing Strategy

• Initially, Everton attempted a high press, but after Leicester started bypassing it with quick transitions, they adjusted to a mid-block approach.
• Instead of pressing aggressively, Everton focused on closing down key playmakers like James Maddison, limiting his influence.
• This ensured Leicester had to work harder to build up play rather than exploiting open spaces.

3. Utilizing Width in Attack

• Recognizing Leicester’s vulnerability in wide areas, Everton shifted to a more wing-focused attack.
• Demarai Gray and Dwight McNeil were instructed to take on full-backs directly, stretching Leicester’s defensive shape.
• Crosses into Dominic Calvert-Lewin became a key attacking outlet, forcing Leicester’s center-backs to constantly deal with aerial threats.

4. Swift Counter-Attacking Transitions

• Instead of committing too many players forward, Everton focused on quick counter-attacks after winning possession.
• Gueye and Onana played direct passes to Alex Iwobi, who acted as the link between midfield and attack.
• This allowed Everton to create dangerous moments while remaining defensively solid.

5. Late Substitutions to Maintain Freshness

• As Leicester started applying late pressure, Everton brought on fresh legs to reinforce their defensive setup.
• The introduction of James Garner and Neal Maupay added energy, ensuring Everton could still press and transition effectively in the final minutes.
• This helped maintain the draw without completely retreating into a defensive shell.