Theo Walcott scored his first goals for Everton as they held on to beat Leicester for their first win in eight games, while Riyad Mahrez was left out of the visitors’ matchday squad.
Hours before the game, Premier League leaders Manchester City decided not to pursue a deal for Mahrez, who handed in a transfer request on Tuesday.
Walcott, making his second appearance for the Toffees since joining for £20m from Arsenal, opened the scoring by tapping in Gylfi Sigurdsson’s pass after Ben Chilwell lost possession in his own penalty area.
Walcott’s second came shortly before half-time, volleying in from close range at the back post as Michael Keane headed on Wayne Rooney’s lofted pass.
Leicester were given a way back into the game with 20 minutes remaining when Rooney conceded a penalty for pulling back Wilfred Ndidi, BBC reports.
Jamie Vardy smashed the spot-kick into the bottom corner for his 12th goal of the season.
There were nervy moments for Everton when Kelechi Iheanacho hit the crossbar and then the post, while Cuco Martina cleared Matty James’ shot of the line.
Aleksandar Dragovic cleared a snap shot to deny England winger Walcott a hat-trick, after goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel collided with Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Everton’s first win in any competition since 18 December condemned Leicester to a first defeat of 2018.
