Kelechi Iheanacho scored the only goal of the game as Leicester City beat Southampton 1-0 to go through to the finals of the 2020/21 FA Cup.
The first half was a largely dull affair, with both Leicester City and Southampton being a bit cagey which resulted in minimal goal-scoring chances. There were a couple of chances that did come the Foxes’ way but both Ayoze Perez and Jamie Vardy fired over the bar.
Ten minutes after the break, though, Leicester were able to break the deadlock as Kelechi Iheanacho scored from a second attempt after his initial shot from close range had been blocked. Ibrahima Diallo tried his luck from distance for Southampton but saw his effort drift wide while at the other end, substitute James Maddison fired a decent chance over the bar.
There were no late comebacks for Southampton as Leicester managed the game well to hold on to their lead and make it through to their first FA Cup final in 52 years. Here’s how we rated the performances of Brendan Rodgers’ men on a historic night at Wembley.
Kasper Schmeichel: 6/10
A fairly easy outing for the Leicester City captain, with Southampton not forcing him into a single save on the night. Could have been sharper with his passes from the back, though.
Wesley Fofana: 7.5/10
A top defensive effort from the Frenchman, who has recently been linked with Manchester United target. Imperious in the air, Fofana won eight aerial duels – the joint-highest on the night while he also made a game joint-high six interceptions. Distribution, though, was a bit lackadaisical as he completed just 67% of his 57 attempted passes.
Wesley Fofana vs Southampton
2 tackles won
6 interceptions
2 clearances
8 aerials won20 years of age. Another masterclass during his first season in England! pic.twitter.com/z1VIsQXTCD
— Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) April 18, 2021
Jonny Evans: 7.5/10
Much like Fofana, the Northern Irishman put in a solid effort at the heart of the Foxes defence. Organised things well at the back, and was pretty much spot on with his positioning throughout. Finished with five aerial duels won, two interceptions, three clearances and a tackle.
Caglar Soyuncu: 6.5/10
Back into the side after the end of his quarantine period, the Turkish international, too, was largely untroubled on the night. However, he picked up a booking early in the second half which meant he had to be careful and disciplined for the rest of the game, which at times he was not.
Timothy Castagne: 7/10
Shifting to the right wing-back slot, Castagne looked a threat going forward and had some nice moments linking up with the likes of Iheanacho and Perez. Completed one key pass and stayed responsible defensively, making four tackles.
Wilfred Ndidi: 6/10
While Southampton never really threatened a great deal going forward, the Nigerian did his bit to ensure that even when they did the Saints did not get anywhere close to the Leicester goal. Made a couple of tackles and an interception, but needed to be more accurate with his passes.
Youri Tielemans: 7/10
Youri Tielemans created 4 chances vs. Southampton, more than any other player on the pitch.
Having such an impressive season. ? pic.twitter.com/tQxkwQ7xWN
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) April 18, 2021
Time and again won the ball back in the middle of the park before spraying a forward pass to set his attacking teammates on their way, with one such pass for Vardy in the first half being a standout. Finished the game with four key passes – the most by any player on the night while doing his bit off the ball.
Ricardo Pereira: 6/10
Moved out to the left flank on the night, the Portuguese struggled to influence the proceedings. Too often was sloppy on the ball failing to find his intended target with a pass (57% accuracy). Worked hard, though, and did play Vardy in leading to the goal in the second half which sees his rating get bumped up slightly.
Ayoze Perez: 5/10
Back into the side after being left out for the last game for breaking COVID regulations, the Spaniard struggled to make any sort of notable impact in the final third. Often let down by his touch, his passing was not on the radar either. Made way for Maddison in the second half.
Kelechi Iheanacho: 8/10
Leicester City's last five goals in the #FACup
⚽️ Kelechi Ịheanachọ
⚽️ Kelechi Ịheanachọ
?️ Kelechi Ịheanachọ
⚽️ Kelechi Ịheanachọ
⚽️ Kelechi ỊheanachọThe winning goals against Man Utd and a winning goal against Southampton.
The Seniorman sends them into the final. pic.twitter.com/PwBRi4Itbv
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 18, 2021
Another crucial game. Another crucial goal. The Player to Watch in our match preview stepped up again in the time of need for Leicester, as he has done throughout their FA Cup run this season. Took his goal well after his initial effort was blocked. Sharp movement throughout, also managed to create a few chances for Maddison in the second half.
Finished with three key passes and could have had a second goal after a nice run into the box late on but shot was blocked.
Jamie Vardy: 6.5/10
Does seem some way off his best as his search for a goal continued. Was guilty of missing a chance in the first period. But made up for it with a fine run behind the Saints’ defence before finding Iheanacho with a precise cut-back leading to the goal.
In 2011, Jamie Vardy made his FA Cup debut for Conference side Fleetwood Town (and scored, of course).
10 years later, he's going to be playing in the first cup final of his career.
The Magic of the #FACup pic.twitter.com/U0HC5JAKfU
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 18, 2021
SUBSTITUTES
Marc Albrighton: 6/10
Replaced Pereira at the hour mark. Slotted in at right wing-back, with Castagne moving to the left. Tried to hit his trademark crosses while working hard to keep Southampton at bay.
James Maddison: 6/10
On for Perez in the 69th minute. Looked like he hasn’t played much in a while but there were some nice moments when his movement and link-up caught the eye. Should have done better with his chance late on.
