Iheanacho’s first Premier League hat- trick punishes Sheffield United
KELECHI Iheanacho’s first Premier League hat- trick helped Leicester to a 5- 0 thrashing of Sheffield United to consolidate their place in the top four, reports Skysports.
It was a nightmare start to Paul Heckingbottom’s interim tenure. He replaced the departed Chris Wilder late on Saturday, with Sheffield United mustering just one shot on target at the King Power Stadium and suffering their heaviest defeat of the season.
Iheanacho ( 39) opened things up in the first half as he tapped home a sweeping Jamie Vardy cross to score in three successive Premier League games for the first time.
But it was after the break when Leicester truly overpowered their opponents. Ayoze Perez ( 64) added the second with a lovely finish, with Vardy once again setting up Iheanacho ( 69) for his second of the afternoon soon after.
The striker’s hat- trick goal was a thing of beauty as he powered home from 25 yards out, before Vardy’s cross was turned home by Ethan Ampadu at close range to round off a bruising defeat for Sheffield United.
It’s a vital win for Leicester, who move into second above Manchester United and eight points clear of West Ham in fifth, with the two sides facing each other later on Sunday, live on Sky Sports. Sheffield United remain rooted to the bottom of the table with 14 points.
Iheanacho has been shown glimpses of greatness in recent games and his potential was finally realised against Sheffield United. He took his hat- trick incredibly well, and tried to set up his team- mate Vardy for a long awaited goal on a number of occasions, showing his unselfish nature even when close to his first ever Premier League treble. His movement and runs throughout were superb too.
With the likes of James Maddison and Harvey Barnes facing spells out, Leicester looked to be struggling for goal creation but Iheanacho has really stepped up to the mark, along with the newlyfound assist machine in Vardy.