Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini chose to play two strikers against Crystal Palace on Saturday, which gave Kelechi Iheanacho another chance to show his worth.
It was only a second start for the 19-year-old Nigerian in the Premier League, but he has twice come off the bench to score important late winners this season, including against Palace in September. He has also netted in the League Cup and FA Cup and is highly rated by Pellegrini.
Here, Press Association assesses the teenager’s performance.
Goal threat
Iheanacho did not have a chance to test Wayne Hennessey in the Palace goal, but he always looked to go forward and an early run hinted at the threat he can offer.
Work rate
Pellegrini will have no complaints on that score. Iheanacho was always looking for the ball and found space when he dropped back or pulled wide. The crowd appreciated his efforts and gave him a good reception when he was substituted in the 57th minute.
Overall impact
Iheanacho will undoubtedly have more impact in other games, but he had a lot of touches of the ball and usually made the right choices. It was his pass from which Sergio Aguero scored the second goal after Iheanacho had pulled out on to the left.
Grade: 7.5/10
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