Brendan Rodgers’ men sealed a history making FA cup win over Manchester United earning a Wembley semi final date with Southampton. So what 3 things did we learn from this game?
Kelechi Iheanacho is reborn
This is something all Leicester City fans have known for a while that it was starting to look like the Nigerian striker was hilariously trolling the doubters. We can all stop laughing now. Kelechi Iheanacho has finally hit his stride and is genuinely frightening Premier League defenders. As he pounced on a lazy Fred back pass there was never any doubt as he cooly rounded Dean Henderson to open the scoring. Later on, when he was left totally unmarked for the cross he completed the scoring for his fifth goal in two games. Admittedly Manchester United’s defending lacked a lot of finesse throughout, possibly compounded by a short turnaround time from returning from their Milan victory on Thursday night.
But the Nigerian was in fine form throughout, with delicious first touches and excellent hold up play. He even managed to turn United captain Harry Maguire inside out with a deft flick that was met with an £85 million foul. Iheanacho’s rebirth is curious and timely.
With Jamie Vardy going through one of his worst finishing spells at the club it is amazing how Kelechi has stepped up emphatically with Champions League football and FA cup silverware still in the balance. One other small consideration is the Nigerian strikers contract is up in summer 2022. His desire to prove himself in a Leicester shirt and earn a new deal has been enhanced further with recent form and it would be hard to bet on him leaving the club anytime soon.
Brendan Rodgers has a ‘big 6’ full set
A constant criticism of Rodgers up until 2019/2020 is how his teams wilted against the big names. With victories already secured this season against Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Spurs and Arsenal there was only Solskjaer’s men left to topple. This was not an easy task either with United’s away form imperious.
We need not have worried with the Foxes looking comfortable in possession throughout but also with a brave and aggressive press that led directly to Iheanacho pressing in the United box and snapping up the opener. Rodgers is now taking the game to his competitors and asking the questions. A new confidence in his beliefs is translating into his players who move the ball around slickly with purpose and poise, even the centre backs were breaking through the lines with the ball showcasing further Caglar Soyuncu’s talent on the ball.
This confident Leicester was pinning United back defensively with there main hope relying on a counter attack of their own, but Leicester were having little of it despite a well taken Greenwood equaliser. Youri Tielemans bravely burst through midfield into space created by Vardy to slot a well taken goal early in the second half. It could have been more as well if Vardy had been more clinical.
This victory was also Leicester’s first over United since that famous 5-3 in 2014. This belief and confidence will give them much hope that their late season visit to Old Trafford can be seen as an opportunity to get more points in their top 4 pursuit.
Leicester City History boys keep on going – but how far can they go?
With just over two years under his belt as Leicester City manager it can’t be underestimated how much Brendan Rodgers has achieved. With a series of progressions in all competitions recently, the Northern Irishman is really proving his worth and realising the potential that the club sorely needed. A second highest ever Premier League finish, Europa league (or UEFA CUP for the purists) football and a League cup semi final for first time in twenty years and now a first FA cup semi final for 39 years.
All this progress has unfortunately left a bitter taste in the mouth due to the way each of those competitions finished. With the semi final draw pitting Leicester against a Southampton side they have had some memorable games with in recent times, it would serve everyone at the club to approach The Saints cautiously but with equal amounts of optimism. Get it right and they’ll be in their first FA cup final for over 50 years where a victory will see the first etching of their name on the trophy.
Leicester City have nobody to fear in this competition with all three remaining teams having been soundly beaten by the Foxes so far this season. it doesn’t matter who is fit nobody wants to play Brendan Rodgers men right now.