Leicester Into Fourth Round After Wigan Win
Only Ben Chilwell remained from the side that beat Newcastle United on New Year’s Day, as Brendan Rodgers made changes to his starting XI and handed centre-back Filip Benković a first start for the Football Club.
An even opening period eventually saw Demarai Gray first test Latics stopper David Marshall with a low drive on the quarter-hour mark, while Josh Windass, later flagged offside, chipped harmlessly wide at the other end of the pitch.
City had their goal on 19 minutes, though, as Wigan debutant Tom Pearce diverted Marc Albrighton’s low cross – aimed at Harvey Barnes – into the back of his own net, while Barnes then forced Marshall into a good stop at the front post a minute later.
Shortly after, skipper Wes Morgan was forced off due to an injury and was replaced by Turkey international Çağlar Söyüncü, and it was Albrighton who was handed the captain’s armband for the remainder of the game.
Barnes, earlier denied by Marshall, meanwhile, made no mistake with his next effort. Chilwell burst forward and found the City No.15, who cut inside and sent a deflected shot into the bottom corner.
Before the interval, Gray sent a swerving effort on target that Marshall was equal to as the Foxes ended the first half in the hunt for more goals.
City maintained their momentum in the second period, and it was Belgium international Dennis Praet who next went close as he flicked a cross from Albrighton over the Wigan crossbar.
The Foxes were then forced into a second change of the evening with 66 minutes on the clock, as FA Cup debutant Benković took a knock and was replaced by former Austria skipper Christian Fuchs.
Wigan thought they had pulled a goal back with 74 minutes gone after substitute Jamal Lowe volleyed in Pearce’s cross, only for a VAR check to rule the strike out for an offside in the build-up.
At the other end, Marshall had to make a fine diving save to prevent Gray from extending the Leicester advantage, while substitute Wilfred Ndidi, who earlier had a penalty claim turned down, headed the resulting corner over the bar from close range.
A final effort of the game came from Barnes, meanwhile, as he raced in off the left flank and sent a low shot towards goal, only for Marshall to deny him at the front post.
Major moment
With City already 2-0 up thanks to Tom Pearce’s own goal and Harvey Barnes’ deflected strike, they looked to extend their advantage in the second period and went close through Dennis Praet’s header.
However, Wigan rallied and had the ball in the back of the net with around 15 minutes to play, but after a VAR check, Jamal Lowe’s strike was ruled out, denying the visitors a grandstand finish on Filbert Way.
Who impressed?
Gerry Taggart told LCFC Radio: “I thought Hamza Choudhury was excellent tonight and that’s another massive plus for him and Brendan Rodgers.
“However, I’ve got to give the Man of the Match award to Harvey Barnes. He was at the centre of everything.
“He played a role in both of the goals and his all-round central play tonight was excellent, so he’s my Man of the Match.”
Where do we stand?
The Foxes booked their spot in the fourth round of the FA Cup and will find out who they face on Monday night, when the draw takes place at approximately 7:35pm ahead of Arsenal’s encounter with Leeds United at Emirates Stadium.
Coming up…
Leicester next face Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup Semi-Final first leg at King Power Stadium on Wednesday evening (8pm kick-off) before continuing their Premier League campaign against Southampton on Saturday on Filbert Way.