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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Joe Thomas

What happened in Leicester dressing room after 'disappointing' Everton defeat

Everton's crucial win over Leicester City was secured with a goal from a corner - even though Brendan Rodgers had set up to avoid that fate.

Demarai Gray's cross was met first by Richarlison, whose header was parried clear by Kasper Schmeichel. Mason Holgate was quickest to react, however, and headed the ball into the roof of the net for a winner that could prove priceless.

The goal came from an unlikely source for the Blues - but one Rodgers said he had sought to deal with. Leicester were knocked out of the Europa Conference League on Thursday after Tammy Abraham scored a second leg winner from a corner for Roma.

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On Sunday, Rodgers specifically changed his line-up to offer more protection when defending set pieces - but Leicester conceded from the Blues' only corner.

He said: "The biggest disappointment was the corner...I changed the system to try to put extra height into the team.

"We have lacked the profile of player. Today it wasn't that, it was just sheer determination and the lack of that to defend the ball into the box."

Everton have struggled to pose a threat in the opponents' box from set plays this season - their last goal from a corner coming through Holgate's deflected volley in the chaotic aftermath of a cross at West Ham.

Rodgers praised Jordan Pickford in the aftermath of his side's 2-1 defeat at the King Power Stadium - highlighting three big saves as being key to Leicester being unable to rescue a point - as well as commending Vitalii Mykolenko's wondergoal after just six minutes.

He also opened up on the downbeat mood in the Leicester dressing room after today's result - and admitted a change from the usual post-match routine.

Rodgers said: "After games, I never normally say so much. If there’s something to say, I’ll direct it, but normally wait until the next day and reflect. But today it was hugely disappointing.

"Also I needed a reaction from the players. We need some honest feedback in order for us to go forward. The players were very open and honest in their conversation. That is the best way in order to go forward.

"It’s private. I’m sure in their own conversations they will mention it but it always stays within our changing room.”

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