City Complete Carabao Cup Comeback Against Leeds
An even start the game yielded few goalscoring opportunities, with Jay-Roy Grot going closest to breaking the deadlock, only for Ben Hamer to make a fine stop at the front post just before the quarter-hour mark.
Thomas Christiansen’s men did take the lead shortly after, though, but there was little Hamer could do about it. Pablo Hernandez worked space for himself on the edge of the box before firing into the top corner with 26 minutes on the clock.
But that goal only seemed to spur on the Foxes, who just four minutes later were level. Kelechi Iheanacho collected a loose ball and set himself before bending a shot into the bottom corner to make it 1-1.
The lively Demarai Gray struck the crossbar with a powerful 25-yard drive at the end of the first period, but it was after the break that the Foxes began to find their rhythm.
Two opportunities for Gray came following the interval, while Academy Graduate Andy King sent a strike over after some good work down the right from Islam Slimani.
On the hour mark, it was Slimani who this time got himself into a good position, only to head over Marc Albrighton’s cross from six yards out, but he didn’t have to wait much longer for his goal.
A well-weighted pass from Vicente Iborra found Iheanacho in the channel and after taking a touch, the Nigeria international frontman delivered a low cross into the box. Slimani broke free of his marker before side-footing in past Felix Wiedwald.
With City in front and in control, they began to pass the ball about with confidence and with two minutes to play scored a third goal. Substitute Riyad Mahrez ghosted in from the right wing and curled into the bottom corner to seal the win for his side.
Major moment
Islam Slimani cut a frustrated figure after missing a header at the back post on the hour mark that would have put the Foxes into a 2-1 lead after Kelechi Iheanacho had cancelled out Pablo Hernandez’s opener.
That chance did not affect him, though, as he continued to make runs into space in the hope of maintaining his fine form in the Carabao Cup.
The Algerian, who had already netted a double at Sheffield United and scored a stunning goal against Liverpool in the previous round, burst into the area and latched onto Iheanacho’s cross to convert an important second goal.
Who impressed?
“He hasn’t put a foot wrong.” – Nev Foulger
“He’s got composure and has passed well under pressure.” – Gerry Taggart
A goal and an assist for Kelechi Iheanacho puts him right up there in terms of who impressed against Leeds United, but one man, limited to just two games this term heading into the clash, performed brilliantly.
With the ability to play in a number of positions, Caretaker Manager Michael Appleton deployed Daniel Amartey at right back and his performance was faultless.
The Ghana international looked composed under pressure when coming up against the pace of left winger Kemar Roofe and the power of forward Jay-Roy Grot and did not hesitate to get forward when needed – he deserved plenty of plaudits for his display on Tuesday night.
Where do we stand?
Leicester City are into the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup and will find out their Round 5 opponents on Thursday, when the draw takes place at approximately 4pm BST.
Coming up…
The Foxes will now turn their attentions to Sunday’s Premier League encounter with Everton at King Power Stadium (4pm kick-off). A victory could propel City up to as high as 10th in the table.