Super Sub Iheanacho Rescues City from Home Defeat

By Duro Ikhazuagbe with agency report

Kelechi Iheanacho once again proved a worthy sub for Kevin De Bruyne when he made an immediate impact, scoring Manchester City’s lone goal in the 1-1 draw with Southampton at the Etihad Stadium yesterday.

The Super Eagles’ forward who came on in the second half after the Citizen’s miserable first half, scored from close range after Fernandinho found Leroy Sane with an exquisite cross-field pass. That draw has however returned Manchester City to the top of the Premier League on goal difference.

Pep Guardiola’s side, who began the season with 10 straight victories, have now gone five games without a win in all competitions, equalling the Spaniard’s worst run as a manager.

It could have been even worse for City after they gifted Southampton the lead when a wayward pass from John Stones put Nathan Redmond on scorers’ sheet after 27 minutes.

Moments later Stones thought he had atoned by bundling the ball into the net but his goal was disallowed for a Sergio Aguero offside.

Saints remained a threat on the break and Claudio Bravo saved well from Charlie Austin on 74 minutes while Aguero went close at the other end, where Raheem Sterling was a constant threat as City pushed for the elusive winner.

Earlier on Saturday, another Super Eagles forward, Ahmed Musa, scored his first goal for Leicester City as the champions beat Crystal Palace 3-1 in the English Premier League.

Musa struck on 42 minutes as the Foxes took the lead in a tight first half at the King Power Stadium.

The Nigeria forward struck from outside the area following good work by Algerian striker Islam Slimani, who displayed impressive upper-body strength before teeing him up with a delightful ball.

Musa had the option of passing to Riyah Mahrez on his right but showed the belief and composure of a veteran to fire past Palace goalkeeper Steve Mandanda from 20 yards out.

It was Musa’s first goal for Leicester since completing his move from Russian club CSKA Moscow in the summer.