Kelechi Iheanacho ready to step up in Sergio Agüero's absence

For Manchester City fans, it’s easy to move on from the tragic scenes of Saturday’s Chelsea scuffle while watching Kelechi Iheanacho’s wonderful Champions League performance against Celtic. Even with Sergio Agüero eligible to play in the European fix, Kelechi got the chance to give City a spark.

He sunk a beautiful goal to put the Blues in just two minutes after an early Celtic strike, created lucrative opportunities throughout the game, and when Celtic pressed and threatened, he defended and helped City regain control.

Confident in his post-game chat, Iheanacho said, “Before we played Celtic [the manager said] that it’s up to me now to fill that gap, to carry the team along.

“He’s telling me I should do very well and they are words of encouragement from him. So I’m going to do it.”

According to ManCity.com, he provides “a goal or assist every 71 minutes this season (five goals/three assists in eight games), and 19 goals in 18 starts.” They describe him as demonstrating “red-hot form.”

Agüero echoed Guardiola, saying that “there is no pressure on him and that he simply has to continue to do what he has been doing.” Zabaleta advertised that Iheanacho is ready to help City advance their current form.

"I have a responsibility to be the striker for the team, replacing Sergio when he is not around," Kelechi said.

"I have to prove myself, give my best and work hard for the team and make sure we get the wins we need."