Four takeaways from Iheanacho, Chukwuemeka performances in Leicester v Chelsea

Chelsea continued their resurgence in the Premier League Saturday evening with a 3-1 win over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.

What did All Nigeria Soccer make of their performances? We answer all the questions in this piece.

1. Twin strike force for Iheanacho

Super Eagles striker, Kelechi Iheanacho misfired last weekend for Leicester as he missed three clear-cut scoring chances in the 1-0 defeat to Southampton.

The Foxes' manager, Brendan Rodgers did not take off the Nigerian international in that game but rather deployed a two-man attack with the introduction of Jamie Vardy.

Today, Rodgers fielded Zambian striker, Patson Daka to partner Iheanacho.

That seemed to work to the teeth as Iheanacho was not isolated upfront. The Nigerian is a striker that thrives with a player to link up with. 

Playing the former Manchester City forward as a solitary striker does not suit him. 

His manager seemingly learned from that and Iheanacho performed better today, getting back in midfield to retrieve the ball as well.

2. Improved performance after Daka's goal

Remarkably, Leicester played with spring on their feet after Daka's wonderful goal.

Iheanacho even had a one-on-one situation with Kepa Arrizabalaga who dived onto the feet of the Nigerian to make a timely save.

3. Chukwuemeka's confidence

Carney Chukwuemeka was brought on from the substitutes bench for his 10th league game of the season.

The Anglo-Nigerian who is eligible to play for the Super Eagles is clearly not expected to start ahead of more experienced players in his midfield position.

However, age is only a number where athletes in general and footballers in particular are concerned. If a player is good enough, he should be old enough.

Chukwuemeka will need to sieze this opportunity and make sure that he makes an impact whenever he is introduced.

Getting on the scoresheet soon enough or providing a world class assist would do his confidence a world of good.

4. Lost chance to get going 

Talking about goal scoring, the youngster was unlucky to see one of his shots blocked. 

The former Aston Villa youngster was also fouled by Wout Faes, which led to the second yellow for the Leicester defender. 

If he had scored on Saturday evening, that could in some ways played in the mind of his manager ahead of their next game: introduce him earlier from the bench or even start him. 

Izuchukwu Michael

Photo Credit : lcfc.com

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