Morgan’s Heroics Earn Victory For 10-Man Leicester
City’s unchanged starting XI took to the pitch full of confidence following last weekend’s triumph over Fulham, but they were handed a huge blow after just four minutes when defender Harry Maguire was shown a straight red card for bringing down last man Johann Berg Gudmundsson.
From the resulting free-kick, Burnley hit the bar, before centre-back Morgan was brought on in place of Demarai Gray, who was unfortunate to make way after creating two early opportunities for Ricardo Pereira and Jamie Vardy.
Brendan Rodgers' men knew they would have to be strong defensively and that showed on 13 minutes, when Nigeria international Wilfred Ndidi put in a superb last-ditch challenge to deny former Fox Chris Wood.
Settling into the game, City recovered well from their early set-back and a piece of magic from James Maddison handed them a 1-0 lead on 33 minutes, as the No.10 curled a belting free-kick into the top corner.
However, Burnley responded almost immediately and made their extra man count when winger Dwight McNeil swept a measured effort into the bottom corner past Kasper Schmeichel.
The second period proved to be a tight affair, and with a one-man disadvantage, Rodgers opted for a change of formation just after the hour-mark, as Christian Fuchs replaced Maddison and slotted into defence.
A flurry of penalty appeals came shortly for the Clarets, but they were waved away as Rodgers’ outfit continued to repel their opponents’ advances in Lancashire.
After McNeil hooked an effort over from inside the City box, the visiting side’s defiance was rewarded with a winning goal supplied by Morgan, who headed home Youri Tielemans’ delivery to spark jubilant scenes in the away end at Turf Moor.
Schmeichel had to deny Matej Vydra in injury time with a smart stop at his front post, but Morgan's header sealed the points for Leicester.
Major moment
Having played 86 minutes of the game with 10 men following England international defender Harry Maguire’s early dismissal, Leicester City could have been in for a difficult afternoon in Lancashire.
But they adapted to their situation well, and while they no doubt would have settled for earning a point from the Premier League encounter given the circumstances, they sealed all three thanks to Wes Morgan’s late, late header.
Who impressed?
The composure of Youri Tielemans was there for all to see on Saturday, as he oozed class in midfield during a tough afternoon in the Burnley rain.
His box-to-box abilities continue to shine through for City, who benefitted from another of his assists after he provided the cross for Wes Morgan’s winner.
Tielemans has now scored once and set up a further three goals in just six appearances for Leicester.
Where do we stand?
After Brendan Rodgers’ maiden away win as Leicester City manager, the Foxes remain 10th in the Premier League standings, but increase their advantage over 11th position to three points with seven games to go.
Coming up…
The final international break of the 2018/19 season now takes place before City return to action on Saturday 30 March (3pm GMT kick-off) for a King Power Stadium showdown with AFC Bournemouth.