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Leicester City stampeded through Peterborough United in the fourth round of the FA Cup. The scoreline of 5-1 was indicative of the kind of form the team was in on the day - especially in the first half.
Due to the one-sided nature of the match, and a little help from Paul Merson, there was a fair amount of conversation surrounding the Foxes:
Ah, yes, good ol’ Paul Merson analysis. How did that work out for you, Merse?
WATCH: Merse slams Claude Puel for "disgraceful" decision to make 10 changes ahead of his side's FA Cup clash with Peterborough. pic.twitter.com/S9gQgw6o39
— Soccer Saturday (@SoccerSaturday) January 27, 2018
That’s about the right reaction.
... pic.twitter.com/6rD0Ppt0h7
— Soccer Saturday (@SoccerSaturday) January 27, 2018
And then the internet caught wind of it and rightfully mocked him.
It’s happened again, it’s happened again, Paul Merson it’s happened again. pic.twitter.com/LbsbtCdOf2
— COPA90 (@COPA90) January 27, 2018
Silly Claude. Didn't he know that if he played the first XI they would have won by even more?
"Ten changes?! Why isn't Puel taking the FA Cup seriously?!"#LCFC go 3-0 up inside half-an-hour...
— James Sharpe (@TheSharpeEnd) January 27, 2018
And then there’s this. Not exactly a weak side by any means.
Let's talk about these 10 "disgraceful" changes by #LCFC.
— James Sharpe (@TheSharpeEnd) January 27, 2018
They include: two title-winning full-backs, one returning from injury; Silva, catching up after some awry paperwork; Iborra and Gray, both Premier League starters this term; and Iheanacho, who scored twice in last round.
Look at that style. We should have known right then and there what kind of debut he was going to have.
Fousseni Diabaté makes his full debut for the Foxes today! #PetLei pic.twitter.com/sbAgd9QkxI
— Leicester City (@LCFC) January 27, 2018
City’s scouts are clairvoyant. Well, aside from that whole Ahmed Musa thing they are.
9 minutes in. Welcome to #LCFC Fousseni Diabate. The scouting dept strike again. Absolutely brilliant finish.
— Arlo White (@arlowhite) January 27, 2018
Look at that touch. And that finish. Fousseni Diabaté looks like a real prospect.
Diabate’s debut #LCFC goal (sorry about lack of sound) ⚽️ #FACUP pic.twitter.com/e8RD4jpO47
— Chris Kirkland (@Cskirky07) January 27, 2018
Kelechi Iheanacho’s decision making here: questionable. Kelechi Iheanacho’s finishing here: not questionable.
What a start for Leicester! Iheanacho makes it 2-0 after just 12 minutes with his 8th career FA Cup goal in 9 games. https://t.co/1pIxNPGfJj
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) January 27, 2018
“Oh” is right. We were all on the same wavelength while this was happening.
"YOU'VE GOT TO PASS IT!" comes the shouts from the press box as Iheanacho chose to shoot instead of play in Barnes.
— James Sharpe (@TheSharpeEnd) January 27, 2018
"Oh."
This goal is majestic and I am convinced that Christian Fuchs used telekinesis to guide the cross.
Just call him Mr. FA Cup! Make that 9 goals in 9 games for Kelechi Iheanacho. https://t.co/zsW376XZdq
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) January 27, 2018
Everything about it was amazing. It was basically the perfect goal.
What a touch by Diabate. What a cross by Fuchs. What a finish by Iheanacho. 3-0 #LCFC
— Arlo White (@arlowhite) January 27, 2018
Iheanacho owns the FA Cup. Its his and he is free to do as he pleases with it. Seems like he’ll just keep scoring in it, though.
9 - Since his FA Cup debut in January 2016, Kelechi Iheanacho has scored more goals in the competition than any other player in this period (9). Specialist.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 27, 2018
And now commence the Fousseni Diabaté love. He looks like a real player.
Diabate is perpetual motion. Gives and moves, looks skilful. Could be another fruitful raid on the French 2nd Division by the Foxes. #LCFC
— Arlo White (@arlowhite) January 27, 2018
Fousseni Diabaté looks like a real star.
Without wishing to get overly excited, Diabate has been excellent: skilful, good movement and took his goal well. Could have had a second.#LCFC and Ligue 2, eh...
— James Sharpe (@TheSharpeEnd) January 27, 2018
Alright, that’s it. Fousseni Diabaté is the best player to ever live.
2 goals, 2 assists and he released Fuchs to set up Iheanacho for the other. Now that’s a debut! (albeit v League 1 opposition) Diabate is a very promising addition to a young, vibrant, exciting squad, who have emerged from the post-title haze. #LCFC https://t.co/fwqXvboNGq
— Arlo White (@arlowhite) January 27, 2018
Somebody tell Chelsea that we are not their feeder club. And we want Drinky back. And Kanté too, while we’re at it.
2 on debut for Diabate. Fully expect a bid from Chelsea later today
— Arlo White (@arlowhite) January 27, 2018
Winning? Fresh players? The horror!
Let that be a lesson to you Claude!!
— John Bennett (@JohnBennettBBC) January 27, 2018
Don't go disrespecting the FA Cup again because if you do, you'll not only end up winning 5-1 but you'll also have key players who'll be fresh for an important midweek Premier League fixture. #LCFC