Leicester Rewarded For Quick Thinking, Says Rodgers
- Brendan Rodgers credits Leicester City for their perseverance in Wednesday's 1-0 Emirates FA Cup win over Brighton & Hove Albion
- Kelechi Iheanacho's 94th-minute header sent the Foxes into the quarter-finals of the competition
- Rodgers was pleased with the 'quick thinking' of his players to work a short corner
- Updates are also provided on injuries for Ayoze Pérez and James Justin
A fifth round tie of few opportunities looked destined for extra-time with seconds to spare at King Power Stadium against Premier League rivals Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday.
However, a quickly-taken corner, eventually leading to a Youri Tielemans cross into the penalty area, was headed home by substitute Kelechi Iheanacho to send the Foxes into the quarter-finals.
After reaching that stage of competition for the third time in four years, Rodgers was delighted by both the perseverance and ingenuity of his squad on a bitterly cold night on Filbert Way.
"It was always going to be a tight game, I felt," he told LCFC TV. "We played with a back five tonight and they obviously play with a back five and sometimes it’s very hard to break that down.
"I don’t think there were many chances in the game, but I thought our spirit shone through. I thought we were better in the second half, once we changed it.
"I was absolutely delighted. I think everyone was delighted in the stadium, not just the players and staff… media, everyone, because it was so cold!"
On Iheanacho's match-winning exploits, Rodgers paid tribute to the creativity of his Leicester players just as it seemed likely both sides would need another 30 minutes to battle it out.
"It was quick thinking by the players," the Northern Irishman added. "They won the corner, played it quickly and caught them unorganised. If they’re organised, they’ve got good height and presence.
"It was a great way to win it, with 25 seconds to go, so we’re delighted."
Rodgers also provided an update on the conditions of Ayoze Pérez and James Justin, two players who were withdrawn in the second period at King Power Stadium with injury complaints.
On Pérez, the 48-year-old explained: "He got a real blow on the shin and, obviously, every time he put weight down, that was really painful for him, so he couldn’t run."
Detailing Justin's issue, Rodgers added: "Hopefully with the medical team having a look at him, it doesn’t seem as bad as maybe getting carried off on a stretcher [would look].
"He thought he could have walked off, but hopefully, fingers crossed, he’ll be okay."