Iheanacho continues goal glut
Kelechi Iheanacho scored the winner to continue his rich vein of form and put Leicester City within touching distance of a place in the Champions League after they came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 2-1.
First half
Jamie Vardy spurned a couple of chances early on as Leicester started brightly.
However, the Foxes fell behind after 12 minutes; Wilfried Zaha finishing coolly past Kasper Schmeichel after being played in by Eberechi Eze.
Second half
Roy Hodgson’s side held firm until half-time but the hosts were back on level terms five minutes into the second half. Iheanacho showed smart movement to get in behind the Palace defence, and set up Timothy Castagne to rifle a shot into the net.
The visitors though, should have regained the lead when Jairo Riedewald broke clear and was one-on-one with the Leicester goalkeeper. He opted to pass and Jonny Evans read the danger and made a brilliant sliding tackle to deny Christian Benteke a tap-in.
It proved to be a crucial moment as Brendan Rodgers’ side scored with 10 minutes remaining to take all three points. Jonny Evans’ raking pass found the Nigerian striker. He brought the ball down, and from a seemingly impossible angle, thrashed the ball into the net with his left foot.
It was his 12th goal in his last nine games in all competitions.
Leicester had further chances to add to their two goals but were unable to take them.
What it means
Leicester are now seven points clear of West Ham in fifth with five games remaining, and play Southampton and Newcastle in their next two matches.
They faltered under the pressure last season losing three of their final five games but a top-four place is now within reach. Palace remain 13th, 11 points clear of the relegation zone.
Stats
Only Manchester United have picked up more points (28) than Leicester (19) from losing positions in the Premier League this season.
Kelechi Iheanacho has scored 14 goals in his last 14 games for Leicester in all competitions, as many as he managed in his previous 76 games.
Featured image: Kelechi Iheanacho of Leicester City celebrates at full time during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Crystal Palace at The King Power Stadium. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
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