Matthew Upson's unfortunate late own-goal denied Premier League basement club a priceless victory, as Everton drew 2-2 their fifth home match in a row. The hosts got a lead through Scottish striker Steven Naismith's opener in the 57th minute, which gave their manager Roberto Martinez, hope of a first home league win since December.
However, the visitors were largely the better side in a dull first half, while Everton lacked any pace. The hosts have looked frail defensively all season and this was exposed by Leicester in the second half, as two of their substitutes, David Nugent and Jamie Vardy, combined for Nugent to score an equaliser in the 63rd minute, one minute after coming on.
Lacklustre defending by the Toffees gave David Nugent, 29, to fulfil his boyhood's ambition: born and raised just six miles from Goodison Park, he had always dreamed of scoring there.
The visitors were soon in front, when seven minutes later Vardy repeated the pass, before 2010 Champions League winner Esteban Cambiasso, 34, put the visitors in front with 20 minutes to left. It looked as though the Argentine set City on course for what would have been a timely victory and a precious three points, that would have given their survival hopes a huge boost, but unfortunate Matthew Upson's own-goal meant they could only get one point. Former Brighton defender, Upson, turned Ghanian winger Christian Atsu's cross into his own net with only two minutes left.
Nigel Pearson's side probably deserved more than it got; they ended a run of four consecutive defeats, which would have given them hope that they'll be able to beat the drop. However, the draw leaves them four points off the drop zone, at the bottom of the Premier League table.
Everton, who impressed in their 4-1 destruction of Young Boys in their first leg last-32 tie in the Europa League, have been unable to transfer this good European form into their league matches. They will still be sweating in the league, as they are only six points above the relegation zone in 12th place.
