Kelechi Iheanacho returned to the starting lineup for Leicester in the Premier League, and he inspired them to a 4-2 win with his involvements in three goals.
Kelechi Iheanacho scored one goal and set his teammates up for another two to help Leicester come back twice and beat Aston Villa 4-2.
Unai Emery's men hosted Kelechi Iheanacho and his teammates in the midday Saturday fixture of the Premier League, with both teams viewing the game as winable, however, it was Leicester who got the better of the home side thanks to a superb individual display from their Nigerian striker.
Iheanacho involved in all of Leicester's goals
The home side went ahead in the 9th minute of the game after Ollie Watkins reacted quickest to rebound a powerful Emiliano Buendia strike that ricocheted off the crossbar. The away side reacted, pulling level only four minutes after conceding after Iheanacho was sharp enough to capitalise on a Villa defensive error to set up James Maddison.
Unai Emery’s men would go ahead again in the 32nd minute of the game thanks to an own-goal from new signing Harry Souttar. Just like the first time, the Foxes reacted again; this time the Nigerian striker went from provider to scorer, running onto a lofted pass from Harvey Barnes to head his team level in the 41st minute.
Leicester stopped reacting and started throwing punches of their own, and put themselves ahead for the first time in the games at the 45+2 minute mark. Kelechi Iheanacho was involved again this time he sets up Tete who weaved his way through Villa’s defence to bring himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, then dummying the unsuspecting Emiliano Martinez in goal for the home side to finish simply.
Iheanacho was substituted after his 67 minutes of heroics for the Leicester folk hero Jamie Vardy. The Foxes scored once more in the 79th minute of the game thanks to a Dennis Praet strike to win 4-2.
The win takes Leicester to 13th on the table, seven points and two places behind their victims Aston Villa.
Iheanacho lays claim to starting berth
The win against Aston Villa was only the Nigerian’s second league start, and it was his 15th appearance in the Premier League this season of the 21 games Leicester have played.
The Nigerian has evidently been used sparingly by Brendan Rodgers, and his performance in this game helps him send a strong message to the manager that he should be starting more often.
Related content
17:58 - 01.02.2023
PREMIER LEAGUE Leicester owner clears £194 million debt
Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha has relieved the club of an outstanding £194 million debt which had been owed to parent company King Power International (KPI).
21:35 - 31.01.2023
OFFICIAL Real Betis announce the signing of Ayoze Perez from Leicester
Real Betis have officially announced the signing of Ayoze Perez on loan from Leicester City.
13:06 - 31.01.2023
TRANSFERS Leicester agree £15m deal to sign Harry Souttar from Stoke
Leicester City have agreed a £15m fee with Stoke City for the deadline day transfer of Australia intrnational Harry Souttar