At that time Everton were managed by Sam Allardyce, the third man to have been in charge that season, who ended up guiding them to an eighth-placed finish before being replaced by Silva in May.

Silva's men, lacklustre against Leicester, have won only once in their last eight outings.

When asked about Everton's situation in terms of the table compared to the same point last season, and if he was worried by a lack of progress, the Portuguese said: "I am not here to compare these type of things, about last season.

"I am concerned with the result we didn't achieve, with our performance, with the performance we had in the last away game as well (Saturday's 1-0 loss at Brighton).

"This is what is my concern now, and to change the situation – not about the points we have now and we had last season at the same moment. It is not for me to analyse this situation.

"About the points and the position in the table – we look at the end of the season.

"I have more things to think (about) in this moment and the most important thing is why we didn't play well (against Leicester), why we made the mistakes we made, why we lose some simple things like a three, four metres pass, which we lost many times. This is what is my concern."

Everton had a run of five wins in seven league games prior to claiming one in eight, and the victory in the latter sequence was a 5-1 triumph at Burnley on Boxing Day.

Silva added: "We already achieved good things, we already did the good things, the normal things in football, we already showed good performances, good mobility and intensity in our game.

"I saw in many moments this season our players enjoy what we are doing on the pitch, with quality and intensity, and our fans the same, and it is what we want to achieve again – not to compare nothing with last season."

Everton, who Silva said had been "too nervous and anxious" during the contest, conceded in the 58th minute when Michael Keane's mistake was punished.

The defender lost possession, Ricardo Pereira played a through-ball and Jamie Vardy slotted past Jordan Pickford.

Vardy subsequently produced an acrobatic celebration, featuring a backward somersault.

Leicester boss Claude Puel – whose side added to recent victories over Chelsea and Manchester City to rise to seventh – said with a smile: "I didn't see exactly his last move.

"But before, I appreciate the right move, to score. That was the most important thing. Jamie, normally when he is in that situation, he scores. He finds the good clinical edge, and it's a good reward for him and for the team.

"If he enjoys (the goal), I cannot prevent him to show his joy in his celebration. I'm happy with this and it's a good thing with his team-mates and a good reward for the fans also."

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