EPL Wrap : Billing Strikes; Iwobi Returns; Success & Iheanacho Subbed In; Ndidi, Ibe Not In 18; Solanke Benched :: All Nigeria Soccer

A round-up of Nigerian players that were in action for their respective clubs in the English Premier League on Saturday, February 1.

In the early kick-off at the King Power stadium, Leicester City and Chelsea settled for a 2-2 draw, following a flurry of second-half goals.

Antonio Rudiger grabbed a pair of headed goals for the Blues but Harvey Barnes and Ben Chilwell responded for the hosts.

Wilfred Ndidi was not included in the Foxes team sheet for the game while Kelechi Iheanacho was introduced for Jamie Vardy in the 80th minute.

At the Vitality stadium, Bournemouth ran out 2-1 winners over Aston Villa despite losing Jefferson Lerma to a red card.

Philip Billing opened the scoring when he converted from close range after 37 minutes, Nathan Ake doubled the lead for the Cherries just before halftime while Mbwana Samata struck a consolatory effort for Villa.

While Billing lasted the entire duration of the game, Dominic Solanke was a non-playing substitute while Jordon Ibe remains out of favour for Bournemouth.

Over to the St James’s Park, and Newcastle and Norwich drew blanks in a drab affair.

Adam Idah was not included in the Canaries traveling squad to Tyneside.

Elsewhere, ten-man Everton mounted an impressive comeback to win 3-2 at the Vicarage Road.

Adam Masina and Roberto Pereyra gave the Hornets a 2-0 lead but a brace from Yerry Mina restored parity for Everton just before the break. Theo Walcott’s stoppage time effort thus completed a thrilling turnaround.

Alex Iwobi made his return from injury, starting and playing for 65 minutes for the Toffees before making way for Moise Kean while Isaac Success played his first game for Watford in nearly a month when he replaced Pereyra in the 75th minute. His teammate, Tom Dele-Bashiru was not in the match day squad.

And finally, Odion Ighalo is not included in the Manchester United squad slated to face Wolves at Old Trafford, as this game will come too soon.

Emmanuel Chinaza

Photo Credit : lcfc.com