Iheanacho's Leicester suffer the effect of 'new manager bounce' in defeat to Palace

Crystal Palace beat Leicester

Iheanacho's Leicester suffer the effect of 'new manager bounce' in defeat to Palace

Faruq Ibrahim 17:17 - 01.04.2023

Roy Hodgson's return to Crystal Palace started on a winning note with victory over Leicester.

Kelechi Iheanacho was a second-half substitute as Crystal Palace came from behind to beat Leicester 2-1.

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Roy Hodgson returned to the dugout at Selhurst Park, charged with staving off relegation, his reign could not have started on a better note, as his side overturned a deficit to win the maximum three points for the first time this year.  

How it happened 

Crystal Palace started like a side looking to impress the new man in charge, and they thought they had a chance to score when the referee pointed to the spot in the 22nd minute, but VAR ruled it out.  

Just before half-time, the hosts were dealt a major blow when contract rebel Zaha, who had been lively all game, picked up an injury and was substituted for Jordan Ayew.  

Brendan Rodgers's side were much better at the start of the second-half and went ahead in the 56th minute after Timothy Castagne set up Ricardo Pereira.

Pereira and Castagne combined to give Leicester the lead
Pereira and Castagne combined to give Leicester the lead

Only three minutes after Crystal Palace drew level, when Daniel Iverson bundled the ball into his own net, deflecting an Eberechi Eze free-kick attempt.

The game looked headed for a draw before Jean Phillippe-Mateta sent Selhurst Park rocking with a 94th-minute strike from close range.

Jean Phillipe-Mateta grabbed the winner for Palace
Jean Phillipe-Mateta grabbed the winner for Palace

The defeat sinks Leicester into the relegation places, while Crystal Palace now float five points above the drop. 

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Iheanacho's appearance

The Super Eagles striker started from the bench but was brought on in the 72nd minute to help Leicester reclaim the lead.  

He played for 18 minutes, made five touches, and won 100% of his ground duels but only one of three attempted duels, but his presence could not inspire Leicester to a victory. 

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