Leicester sink Saints to book final date with Chelsea

The goal scored by Kelechi Iheanacho didn’t just send Leicester into a first FA Cup final since 1969. It was the first to be cheered by spectators at Wembley in more than a year.

Not since March 2020 had fans been allowed into English football’s national stadium through three national lockdowns.

Now as coronavirus restrictions are eased, Wembley was allowed a 4000-strong, socially distanced crowd yesterday to witness Leicester’s 1-0 victory over Southampton to test the return of spectators. While those permitted were only local residents in the north London district over the age of 18 who tested negative for Covid19, some fans of both teams did manage to land tickets.

By the time Leicester face Chelsea

in the May 15 FA Cup final, the government hopes up to 21,000 spectators will be allowed, including a sizable contingent officially from both clubs. The scheme is aimed at trying to increase the numbers up to half of the Wembley capicity (90,000) for the European Championship final on July 11.

Meanwhile, Arsenal, who were briefly allowed 2000 spectators in December, might be glad not to have a disillusioned fan base at the

Emirates Stadium to show their discontent during a miserable season.

It took a goal in the seventh minute of stoppage time from Arsenal substitute Eddie Nketiah to rescue a 1-1 draw on yesterday against a Fulham side fighting relegation, tapping in a rebound to cancel out Josh Maja’s penalty.

Manchester United moved within eight points of Manchester City with a 3-1 victory over

Burnley. It could be too late to return to the top of the league with only six games left to reel in their neighbours.

United had to show resilience after Mason Greenwood’s opener at the start of the second half was quickly cancelled out by James Tarkowski’s header.

Greenwood’s deflected strike restored the lead in the 84th before a stoppage-time tap-in from Edinson Cavani.