Seamus Coleman's Everton enjoyed their best performance of the year tonight, as they beat Leicester City 2 - 1.
For the Toffees tonight was a major success for two crucial reasons. Firstly, new signing Theo Walcott hit the ground running and bagged two goals. Everton have struggled massively to develop any sort of attacking strategy under Sam Allardyce so the form of the pacey English winger could be crucial to their ability to score goals.
Secondly, Seamus Coleman returned and looked like he never left. The Irishman was composed on the ball, his overlap runs were neverending and his commitment outstanding.
Theo Walcott takes the acclaim for #efc with his goals but the night belonged to Seamus Coleman, superb display and fought to the end. Heartfelt salute to the Gwladys St after the final whistle.
— Andy Hunter (@AHunterGuardian) January 31, 2018
Not even an Everton fan but was at the game and he was best player on the field. Walcott will get mom after two goals and good performance also but Coleman was superb
— Sean McMahon (@SeanMcMahon8) January 31, 2018
After a lung busting run of 40 yards, taking four LCFC players out the game and delivering a lovely ball through to Niasse, all four sides of the stadium sing Seamus Coleman’s name.
He’s been superb so far tonight.— Tony Scott (@Tony_Scott11) January 31, 2018
Energy of Seamus Coleman tonight was something else it really was! First proper competitive game back and he was running up and down that wing in injury time like it was the first min! Walcott showed he’s ability also tonight! Onwards and upwards now 💙 🙏 COYB 🙏 💙
— Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) January 31, 2018
What a performance.
Welcome back, @seamiecoleman23.
✊ pic.twitter.com/BA1tZpfGko— Everton FC News (@LivEchoEFC) January 31, 2018
Seamus Coleman epitomises everything an Everton player should be. He gave absolutely everything there. He had nothing left. What a man.
— Watched Toffee 🇺🇦 (@WatchedToffee) January 31, 2018
Great to see @seamiecoleman23 back starting for Everton tonight 🙌🏾
— Cyrus Christie (@cyruschristie) January 31, 2018
💙 | Tonight's Man of the Match, as voted for by you, is... Seamus Coleman! #WelcomeBackSeamus #EFCmatchday pic.twitter.com/1nMqylOAd0
— Everton (@Everton) January 31, 2018
Seamus Coleman did not play any senior football for 319 days. To perform as he did for 90 minutes is a testament to his professionalism.
After the game, his manager Sam Allardyce praised the new potential partnership of Walcott and Coleman. To be fair, he has a point. The combination of their pace and Coleman's awesome ability to get up-and-down the wing quickly should see that right flank become a much-needed manufacturer of goals for Everton.
Seamus Coleman made five successful dribbles against Leicester, three more than the rest of the Everton squad combined. He is a model professional and it showed tonight.
Before his injury, Coleman was undoubtedly one of the best right-backs in the Premier League. He looks set to rejuvenate that form. Everton and Ireland will be glad to have him back.
