Puel: We Found Our Game In The Second Half

- Leicester City beat Fleetwood Town 2-0 at in an FA Cup Third Round Replay at King Power Stadium
- Kelechi Iheanacho scored either side of half time to book a tie away to Peterborough in the fourth round
- Iheanacho’s second was given after the decision was reviewed with the help of the Video Assistant Referee
- Manager Claude Puel was pleased with an improved second half display from his team

Kelechi Iheanacho scored either side of half-time – the second coming after a Video Assistant Referee review – to give the Foxes a replay victory over a well-organised League 1 side.

The first was a fantastic finish underneath the goalkeeper after an Islam Slimani ball while the second was an equally impressive lofted shot over the ‘keeper from close range after beating the offside trap.

Following a tough first 45 minutes, the manager was satisfied with the way his team improved after the break to book a fourth round date away to Peterborough United on Saturday week.

“It was difficult to play against a strong defensive unit and without space [in the first half],” said Puel. “They were waiting for the counter attack. We tried to play in the first half but it was important to get behind their line more in the second half.

“It was important to find solutions in the second half. It was a good response and we deserved this result. It was good to see our quality in the second half. It wasn’t enough in the first half because we were against a strong defensive unit and we didn’t press them enough, so they controlled the passes. We found our game in the second half.”

The manager was equally pleased with the contribution of two-goal Iheanacho, whose strikes helped the Foxes stay in the competition and continue to build momentum ahead of the visit of Watford at the weekend.

He added: “He gave a good response today with quality. I was happy about his game because he created good situations and was always available. He played simple and he got his reward just before half time. In the second half it was interesting. He gave a good response. It was important for him and for the squad. I’m happy for him.”

Iheanacho had the Video Assistant Referee to thank for his second strike, as the assistant initially flagged for offside only for the VAR to correctly confirm that the striker was narrowly onside.

Puel said of the decision: “I think it’s perfect, of course! Of course it was a good thing because it was a good goal. Perhaps there was something against (Vicente) Iborra at a free kick too, but for us it was a good thing.

“It’s different because initially the referee refused the goal but after the video we saw it was a good goal. It’s a good thing. I said the other day that when a goal is scored and the referee consults on the decision, it could be frustrating for the player, but for this it was a different situation. It didn’t take long. It was a short time between the decisions, it was okay.”