Leicester in the FA Cup semi-finals after their winning score of 3-1 over Man United with Kelechi Iheanacho scoring the final third goal
Leicester played exceedingly well while Man United seemed out-of-sorts lacking their previous performances from the past.
It was the deciding match regarding who would enter the FA Cup semi-finals. Both teams are in the top table of the Premier League with United in second place and Leicester in third place.
Yesterday’s match at King Power Stadium confirmed the winner: Leicester City scored three goals over United’s one goal and entered the FA Cup semi-finals. They face Southampton on April 17.
Kelechi Iheanacho played brilliantly securing two goals for the Foxes: one goal in the first half and the other in the second half.
United forward Mason Greenwood equalized it for his team. Then Youri Tielemans’ goal in the second half led the Foxes forward.
The defining moment came when Iheanacho scored the final goal just ten minutes before wrap-up.
Leicester is now in the running for the FA Cup and United is looking at the Europa League Cup.
Leicester Played a Well-Deserved Victorious Game
Injured and topnotch Foxes players James Maddison, James Justin, Harvey Barnes, and Ricardo Pereira were missing, but two powerful forces – Kelechi Iheanacho and Youri Tielemans – made up for their absence on Sunday’s match against the Red Devils.
In fact, United got it worse than they anticipated. This is the second time in 23 years that they lost out to Leicester.
In the 24th minute of the opening, Iheanacho caught up on a chance to score his first goal.
Maguire passed the ball to Fred from the back; however, the Brazilian made a terrible backpass with Iheanacho intruding and kicking it into the net. Henderson was left exasperated.
Over 18 FA Cup appearances, it is the Nigerian’s 12th goal.
United was roused and Paul Pogba delivered a low cross that Donn van de Beek magnificently dummied.
It enabled Mason Greenwood to give his team the second goal of the first half. And equalized the score seven minutes before the break.
In 16 appearances, it was his first goal.
Although Perez tried to increase the score for Leicester before half-time, his shot went wide.
Game Wrapped Up with Iheanacho’s Final Score in the Second Half
Six minutes after the break, Tielemans made an impressive score for the Foxes.
The passes between the Belgian and Iheanacho availed the former to shoot a low kick 18 yards away which smoothly flew into the bottom corner beyond Henderson’s reach.
Vardy could have made it 3-1 in which Iheanacho made it possible. He managed to pass Maguire, but his shot drew wide of the post.
The tie was broken through and gave Solskjaer’s team struggle for thought. After Vardy’s attempt, United’s Boss finally made a change bringing in substitutes Bruno Fernandes, Luke Shaw, Edinson Cavani, and Scott McTominay.
The decision and timing, however, didn’t help and failed to give the Red Devils the leverage they sorely needed.
United’s play was disappointing. Their performance was lacking energy, drive, and filled with mistakes.
Captain Maguire was also having difficulty keeping pace with Iheanacho and Vardy.
And his high-risk pass to Fred didn’t help either.
After 78 minutes, the final goal was made. Iheanacho headed a shot with Marc Al Albrighton’s delivery.
Leicester turned the game after half-time
In this game, the Leicester forward played with instinct and drive, scoring naturally and building link-ups.
Tielemans, on the other hand, gave an elegant performance with his shot. He constructed his play beautifully evading Nemanja Matic and Fred.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told BBC Sport:
“We didn’t have the spark tonight – but it’s understandable. This team has been fantastic in the last three or four months. We played every three days and been on a great run. It just caught up with us – all the games and travels…
“We’ve got the Europa League and Premier League to concentrate on – yes, we would’ve liked to go to Wembley but now the focus is on the games we have.
We’re in a good position in the league and we want to keep improving. Of course, Leicester is just behind us so it won’t be easy but we want to keep going and get as far as possible in the Europa as well.”
Brendan Rodgers spoke to BBC Sport:
“I’m obviously delighted. It was a great team performance. Every aspect of the game was complete. We showed courage to play football against one of Europe’s greatest teams.
I’m so happy for the players. I thought we thoroughly deserved it…
“[The semi-final] is a way off yet. I told the players they were three games from history. Now it’s two.
We’re making the right steps, we’re on the right path. We’re very ambitious to be the best we can be. That’s the challenge and it’s the test we’re enjoying.”
