Iheanacho's Last-Gasp Winner Seals Sixth Win In A Row
After Richarlison’s opener, the Toffees frustrated City for long spells – until Jamie Vardy’s 13th goal of the season, which took his top-flight scoring streak to six games, made it 1-1.
Just as it seemed both sides would share the spoils, up stepped substitute Iheanacho to net his first goal of the season, which once confirmed by VAR, sparked euphoric celebrations.
Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers named the same starting XI for the sixth consecutive time, while midfielder Demarai Gray was excluded from the bench due to illness.
However, Marco Silva’s visitors carved out several early opportunities and they were ahead on 23 minutes after Richarlison got on the end of Djibril Sidibé’s cross to nod it home.
Just after the half-hour mark, City were initially awarded a penalty by referee Graham Scott as Mason Holgate and Ben Chilwell came together in the box, but it was overruled by VAR.
Ayoze Pérez was Leicester’s main threat in the first half, while James Maddison also went close, but work needed to be done after the break to recover from a one-goal deficit.
Ten minutes into the second period, Ricardo Pereira drove forward and into the penalty area before being denied by Everton and England shot-stopper, Jordan Pickford.
The 62nd-minute introduction of Iheanacho, meanwhile, proved to be an astute move from Rodgers as the Nigeria international played a pivotal role in Leicester’s equaliser shortly after.
It was Iheanacho’s searching pass which found Vardy at the far post in the 68th minute, allowing the Premier League’s top goalscorer to make it 13 to his name in 2019/20.
King Power Stadium rocked as the sheer force of City’s desire to seal a seventh consecutive win in all competitions saw them torment the Toffees’ backline in the latter moments.
While Moise Kean provided Everton with a threat on the break, it was Leicester who looked most likely to win it as a previously pedestrian fixture became a frantic, fraught encounter.
In the 94th minute, Iheanacho collected it from Ricardo, turned inside his man, and picked his spot into the bottom corner, but the celebrations were cut short by the linesman’s flag.
However, as the referee signalled VAR would be consulted, the Blue Army waited with bated breath until it was confirmed that Iheanacho had indeed sealed all three points for City.
Major moment
Making his first appearance of the 2019/20 season, Kelechi Iheanacho’s introduction in the second half truly changed the match as the 23-year-old assisted and scored for the Foxes.
While it’s unclear if his pass to Jamie Vardy was an attempt at goal or not, there’s no doubting his match-winner, which prompted delirious celebrations from the whole squad on the sidelines.
Who impressed?
Gerry Taggart, speaking on LCFC Radio at full-time, said: “I’m going to have to give it to Ricardo today. He’s been a constant thorn in the side of Everton. At times, he was like an out and out winger. I could have give it to Jonny Evans, but if I give it to Jonny again, the lads in the studio will absolutely cane me!
"I’m going to give it to Ricardo because I thought he was brilliant down that right-hand side today.”
Where does it leave us?
City climb back up to second in the Premier League on 32 points, above Manchester City by three, and eight adrift of leaders Liverpool, with the best goal difference in the league (+24).
Coming up…
Watford are the visitors to King Power Stadium on Wednesday (7:30pm kick-off) before the Foxes head to Aston Villa next Sunday (2pm kick-off).
All times GMT.