Opinion: Cooper realizes which Leicester City player he must drop after disappointing performance against Everton
Steve Cooper left with much to ponder after Leicester City's disappointing home draw against Everton.
Leicester City’s frustration in their recent match was compounded by a lackluster performance against Everton, a team that had yet to secure a Premier League point before this game.
Everton took an early lead when Iliman Ndiaye found space and fired past Mads Hermansen.
Despite the poor weather, Steve Cooper watched as his side struggled to break down a solid Everton defense.
Leicester eventually found an equalizer through Stephy Mavididi, who netted his second goal in consecutive games, capitalizing on a Harry Winks corner.
This goal justified Mavididi’s recent return to the starting lineup.
However, his fellow winger, Jordan Ayew, had a much tougher time and may now see his spot in the team at risk.
Jordan Ayew’s Position in Jeopardy
Leicester signed Jordan Ayew from Crystal Palace in the summer for an initial £5 million.
While the signing did not generate much excitement among Foxes fans, Ayew was brought in for his experience and versatility.
At 33, he hasn’t scored more than four goals in a Premier League season for the past four years, but Cooper has shown trust in him, starting Ayew in Leicester’s last three league matches.
However, Ayew struggled significantly against Everton.
Despite staying on the pitch for the full 90 minutes, he failed to make a meaningful impact.
According to Sofascore, Ayew completed just 14 of his 18 passes, failed to deliver any key passes, missed all four of his cross attempts, and lost possession 12 times.
On the right wing, he registered only 0.09 expected goals and 0.01 expected assists.
Fatawu Deserves a Start Against Arsenal
Leicester next face Walsall in the Carabao Cup before a tough Premier League clash with Arsenal.
Given the expected pressure from the Gunners, Abdul Fatawu should replace Ayew in the starting lineup.
Fatawu’s pace would provide Leicester with a valuable counter-attacking threat, something they’ll need against a strong Arsenal side.
While Ayew will likely play a key role over the course of the season, his performance against Everton suggests it’s time for him to step aside until he earns a recall.
