Iheanacho turning into a vital player for City / Image via mancity.com
Tough Ride
Pep Guardiola never expected the beginning of his life at Manchester City to be this difficult.
The Spanish tactician was shown on too many occasions this season that Premier League can be a cruel place to work and live in, and Monday’s trip to Hull City almost turned into another frustrating blow for Guardiola.
The Spaniard still managed to extend his winning record to three in a row, having previously bounced back from back-to-back league defeats to Chelsea and at Leicester, respectively.
And he will have none other to thank for the win than Kelechi Iheanacho, the 20-year-old striker who seized another opportunity to shine brightly for his club.
A Chance
With their first-choice striker Sergio Aguero unavailable through his four-match suspension, which is finally up, Manchester City were in urgent need of a cutting blade up front and someone who would go on to use the full potential of the attack-oriented team.
The slightest thoughts about the looming transfer market were quashed however with another inspiring display from the Blues’ young gun Kelechi Iheanacho, whose second-half introduction went on to change the entire pace of the game and help Guardiola grab another important victory.
It was his way to make amends for a disappointing display against Leicester City and to send a clear message that Guardiola might have made a mistake in not letting Iheanacho start in three out of four matches Aguero was suspended for.
With Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and Nolito’s advances all turning sour during the first 45 minutes, the 20-year-old Nigerian Iheanacho used his pace and tireless running to add another dimension in Manchester City’s play.
A Break
With Hull defence focusing on neutralising the obvious threat upfront, other Manchester City’s attacking assets and impressive midfield power engine Yaya Toure – much to the surprise of many who thought the Ivorian would not go on to be so vital after a long break – were allowed to shine in full and provide City with a much-needed break.
Iheanacho’s influence was equal off the ball as it was on it.
The young Nigerian capped his dominant display with the 78th-minute goal, the second for his side, when David Silva presented Iheanacho with an easy close-range finish.
Manchester City forward made 12 Premier League appearances this season and his Monday’s goal was his fourth for the Blues. It also allowed Iheanacho to set the new goal record in the Premier League when it comes to goals-per-minute ratio.
A Record
Iheanacho has now scored a goal every 96 minutes, which is an impressive achievement for the 20-year-old. The Nigeria striker managed 12 goals in total, which puts his tally level with Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who scores every 127.5 minutes.
The numbers speak for themselves and offer plenty of backing for young boy’s talents, who weren’t always enough for Iheanacho to believe in himself and in his ability to succeed at Manchester City.
As a young talent who made his name amongst his peers with impressive displays at African U17 Championships and FIFA U17 World Cup, Iheanacho struggled at City from the first day, when work permit issues prevented the boy from making an early impression.
Asked to comment on his move to Manchester City at the time, Iheanacho was brutally honest.
“City are such a big team with so many fantastic players, I didn’t believe I would have a future here. But my father did and he gave me the confidence I needed”, said Iheanacho, who wanted to join FC Porto instead.
With Sergio Aguero returning to the fold, Iheanacho could be forced to wait for the next chance as the Argentina international returns for the upcoming games at Liverpool.
Iheanacho will be hoping Guardiola could give him another chance to shine against title contenders which City stand at 9/5 to beat.
And he should.
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