Theo Walcott ends Everton’s winless run with double against Leicester

The build-up was dominated by Riyad Mahrez, a player who wanted to be anywhere but Goodison Park in the employ of Leicester City. The night belonged to Séamus Coleman, a player who had given everything to grace this famous old ground once again. Everton, and Theo Walcott in particular, thrived on his quality and passion to record a crucial first win of the year.

Ten months on from suffering a double leg fracture at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, the Republic of Ireland captain returned to the Premier League with a performance that not only allayed doubts about his powers of recovery but instantly underlined his importance to Everton.

Coleman came to the fore as Sam Allardyce’s team took control against Leicester and Walcott announced his arrival from Arsenal in style with his first two goals for the club. The defender was also prominent in repelling a late fightback from Leicester that had seemed unlikely until Wayne Rooney fouled Wilfred Ndidi inside the area and Jamie Vardy scored from the penalty spot. Strong in the tackle and rampaging forward even in stoppage time, Coleman set the example for Everton to follow in claiming their first victory for eight matches.

The respect he commands was evident on the final whistle. Vardy and Kasper Schmeichel offered hugs and words of praise. Goodison resounded to the sound of “Sixty Grand, Sixty Grand, Séamus Coleman”. Nights like this make 10 months in the gym worthwhile. “For Séamus to finish the 90 minutes and in the 92nd minute go on a run of 80 yards with the ball was outstanding for me and an example to every player at this football club,” said Allardyce. “To perform with that energy and quality when you’ve been out for 10 months is just marvellous to see.”

Walcott struck up an instant rapport with the Irish captain on Everton’s right flank and provided the cutting edge the team have lacked all season to continue his fine start since arriving from Arsenal for £20m. His energy and confidence also proved infectious to Everton, who started with a sluggishness reminiscent of their last home appearance against West Bromwich Albion before claiming the upper hand and a deserved win.

Claude Puel claimed his Leicester team would not make an excuse of Mahrez’s absence as he waited in vain to join Manchester City but the distraction was unavoidable. The visitors started the brighter and could have established a comfortable early lead when Harry Maguire headed over from a Marc Albrighton corner and Ndidi steered another header against the crossbar, but their levels plummeted as soon as they fell behind.

Cuco Martina instigated the breakthrough by dispossessing Ben Chilwell just outside the Leicester penalty area. The ball broke for Gylfi Sigurdsson, who picked out Walcott arriving unmarked at the back post and he converted with ease past Schmeichel.

Oumar Niasse, favoured in attack to the new £27m signing Cenk Tosun, should have doubled Everton’s lead but dragged horribly wide with the goal gaping. Goodison was a mass of people with hands on heads at the miss, but moments later it was forgotten. Sigurdsson and Rooney combined in midfield for the latter to send a deep cross to the back post where Michael Keane and Daniel Amartey duelled for the header. The ball appeared to spin off the Leicester defender’s head and fell perfectly for Walcott, standing unmarked on the other side of the area, to volley home his second under the exposed Schmeichel.

Everton squandered several chances to extend their lead and it was only after Vardy’s late penalty that nerves crept in and Leicester rallied. Substitute Kelechi Iheanacho struck the bar and post within seconds of his introduction and Martina blocked a goal-bound drive from Matty James. Their recovery petered out. Coleman’s performance did not.