Leicester through as Iheanacho scores first VAR goal in England

Leicester City's Kelechi Iheanacho scored the first goal in English football to be awarded using the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) as they reached the FA Cup fourth round with a 2-0 replay victory over third-tier Fleetwood Town on Tuesday. Iheanacho, who had put the hosts ahead in the first half, was initially ruled offside when he deftly chipped the ball over the keeper into the net in the 77th minute but the goal was given after consultation between referee Jon Moss and the VAR. Video replays showed former Manchester City striker Iheanacho was level with Fleetwood defender Nathan Pond's back foot before the Nigeria international raced clear to finish.

While everyone has been raving on about Firmino and Salah, we forget that Mane is on fire in the past 3 PL games. 2 unstoppable goals vs Man City and Burnley and the backheel assist for Salah vs Leicester. Deserves some recognition. pic.twitter.com/hzZPDQBvgD

— SamueI (@VintageSalah) January 16, 2018

"I didn't know if I was onside or offside but I agree totally now that I was onside," Iheanacho told BT Sport. "I was concentrating on the goal, I didn't think if I was onside or offside but Riyad (Mahrez) told me that I was onside. We just waited to see what the decision was." Premier League side West Ham United were given a severe test by third-tier Shrewsbury Town but came through in extra time thanks to Reece Burke's first goal for the London club.

"This evening I like the technology."

Leicester Boss Claude Puel is a fan of VAR, tonight. https://t.co/ufHiIOlSDJ pic.twitter.com/hzCFfvJBXb

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) January 16, 2018

Championship sides Cardiff City, Sheffield Wednesday and Reading all reached the next round with victories over Mansfield Town, Carlisle United and Stevenage respectively. Iheanacho, a 25m pounds ($34m) signing from Manchester City in August, had endured a barren spell in front of goal since making the move, but was given a chance to shine with former Fleetwood striker Jamie Vardy starting on the bench. The 21-year-old Nigerian opened the scoring with only his second goal for the club in the 43rd minute as Islam Slimani played a neat ball over the top and Iheanacho coolly converted.

The winners and losers of Leicester's win over Fleetwood - https://t.co/tBsvwTafka

5 winners ?
4 losers ? pic.twitter.com/OhjXgR3L5N

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 16, 2018