A Professional Display, Says Rodgers
- Manager Brendan Rodgers reacts to Leicester City’s 1-0 Emirates FA Cup win over Walsall
- Kelechi Iheanacho scored his 50th goal for the Foxes to send them through
- Victor Kristiansen made his first appearance for City, coming off the bench
Kelechi Iheanacho’s second-half winner proved the difference on the day, although City had further opportunities to seal the victory in the latter stages and also missed a penalty earlier on in the match.
Nevertheless, the Foxes were the side to secure their spot in the fifth round, and Rodgers was pleased with the way they improved after the interval.
“I thought it was a better performance today, they’re always tough games these, especially against a really spirited team,” he told LCFC TV. “They did very well, Walsall. They haven’t lost [many] games, so it tells you that they have a mentality and it can be challenge. I thought the guys were professional.
“First half, we didn’t create what we wanted to, but we still had decent control of the game. The second half, we just adjusted a few things at half-time to create more space and more areas for us to run into to highlight.
“The players were excellent in the second half, more clinical. We could have made it more comfortable, but we got the job done.
“The boys will recover from today, we’ve got really important games now in the Premier League, and we’ll get ready for that.”
Iheanacho’s 50th goal for the Club was a decisive one, and the Foxes manager was thrilled that the Nigeria striker continued his excellent record in the FA Cup.
He said: “His goals, 17 in 23 FA Cup ties… he played a big part for us going to Wembley when we won the competition, so hopefully it’s a good omen for us.
“Whether he plays or comes into the game, I know I’ll always get a contribution from him. It was great that he came in, it was really positive.”
The returning James Maddison made his first start for City since November, having come off the bench against Brighton last weekend. An hour of action will be positive in his recovery from injury, Rodgers says.
“Very important, getting an hour was good for him,” he said. “He’s been out a long time and hasn’t featured, but he’s working hard. Today will be great for his confidence.
“For me, just to see him on the pitch again is great. He needs to continue his work, he’s not there yet in his football fitness, but we’ll just build that up and it’s great to have him back.”
Also in the travelling squad was new signing Victor Kristiansen, who came off the bench in the second half and created a big opportunity for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to settle the tie.
“I thought he was excellent,” added the 50-year-old. “He came in and he made his first appearance. In that 30 minutes you can see why he came in. He wants to attack, he’s aggressive, he’s strong. He’s got good quality, so I’m delighted for him.”