EPL: Iheanacho’s Goal Fails to Save City
Thiery Henry questions lack of affection for Nigerian star
Kelechi Iheanacho once again off the bench to score for Manchester City, but his effort was not enough to earn the English Premier League giants a share of the points against Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs moved to the second spot on the EPL standings with the 2-1 victory.
The goal was Iheanacho’s ninth of his debut season in England.
After Harry Kane’s second-half penalty had put Spurs on the advantage, Iheanacho drew City level in the 74 minutes, when he fired home from inside the box a pass by Gael Clichy. Christian Eriksen however scored a late winning goal to give the visitors a crucial three points.
Typical of the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup winner, Iheanacho went down on his knees, with his arms raised in gratitude to God. He celebrated that equaliser alone.
However, former Arsenal striker, Thierry Henry, who was one of the pundits Sky Sports
questioned the lack of affection for the Nigerian lad. Henry insisted the muted way in which Manuel Pellegrini’s players reacted to drawing level was telling.
“I know you have to go and get the ball back (to ensure a quick restart with the score level at 1-1 at the time) but no one went to celebrate with Iheanacho, ”Henry told Sky Sports.
“That’s something that, I don’t know… you scored a goal, go and celebrate with the guy. ‘Let’s go, get the ball back’. No one went to celebrate with him. He was in the corner there.
“I think Vincent Kompany went with him and someone else but that’s it. Maybe I’m reading too much between the lines about that Man City team, but no one went to celebrate with him, that’s a
Just last week, Super Eagles Head Coach Sunday Oliseh demanded the youngster play a bigger role at The Etihad to enhance his chances at full international level.
The defeat sees City remain six points behind Premier League leaders Leicester City.