Arsenal dominated Leicester City to continue their fine form with a fifth consecutive league win. Thomas Partey and Alexandre Lacazette were on target as the Gunners enjoyed a 2-0 win at home. The win took Arsenal back to fourth place, with their 3 games in hand over fifth-placed Manchester United. The Arsenal player ratings are here from their marching win towards a top-four finish.
The Gunners started attacking the Leicester goal right from the kick-off giving no time for the Foxes to settle in. Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Martinelli attacked from all fronts to put pressure on the Leicester defense. And finally, Leicester broke under pressure when Thomas Partey headed in from Martinelli’s corner. The first corner of the game brought the first goal of the game.
Partey once again came close with a sweet strike that struck the cross-bar. Leicester however came close to equalizing through Harvey Barnes. Aaron Ramsdale pulled a stunning save to deny Barnes’ header. Arsenal continued from where they left in the second half, twisting and turning the Leicester defense. Odegaard and Saka’s link-up became too hot to handle for Leicester with Kasper Schmeichel keeping out a decent effort from the latter.
Arsenal were awarded a penalty when Caglar Soyuncu blocked Partey’s header into an open net with his arm. Referee Anthony Taylor consulted the VAR and pointed towards the spot. Alexandre Lacazette stepped up and lashed it past Schmeichel who despite going in the same direction couldn’t do much.
Arsenal player ratings- ‘keeper and defenders
Aaron Ramsdale- 7/10
Ramsdale made 3 save which included a world-class save off Barnes. The ‘keeper did everything to make sure he earns his 12th clean sheet. Ramsdale now stands second to Ederson and Alisson who have 15 clean sheets each.
Cedric Soares- 5/10
Soares’ offensive game triumphed. However, at times Soares failed to cover his defensive duties and his flank was exploited by Leicester.
Ben White- 8/10
A solid outing from the center-back. Stood firm against attacks from his side. A superb tackle to deny Maddison from equalizing in the first half. 100% tackles won, 100% ground duels won, and even had a shot on target.
Gabriel- 6/10
A decent performance from Gabriel. A lot of improvements from the last game on the ball, as evident from his 97% passing accuracy.
Kieran Tierney- 7/10
Tierney after being told to display more of his defensive side in the last game was given offensive freedom against Leicester. Proper disciplined performance from the Scottish who ended the game with the captain’s armband.
Midfielders
Thomas Partey- 9/10
Another top-class performance. Our Arsenal player with the highest ratings. A brilliant header to open the scoring, and almost doubled the lead with a perfect shot that hit the upright. Won all of his 6 duels contested and made 6 ball recoveries.
Granit Xhaka- 6/10
Xhaka kept things solid in the midfield for Arsenal. Chipped-in with some tactical fouls but nothing serious. 3 key passes as well as 2 blocked shots.
Martin Odegaard- 8/10
A majestic player at the heart of the Gunners. Odegaard pulled all the tricks from his hat and his body feints embarrassed the Leicester defenders as they couldn’t read him throughout the game. He created 6 chances in the game, with 5 alone in the first half.
Attacker
Bukayo Saka- 7/10
Saka lit up the right flank as usual for Arsenal. His chemistry with Odegaard on the pitch is soaring high as evident from their slick one-touch build-ups. Saka also displayed his physical game through holding the Leicester defenders and cutting inside from the right and tackles contested.
Alexandre Lacazette- 6/10
Not much involvement was seen from the striker. However, stepped up for the spot-kick and absolutely rifled it past Schmeichel to put the game beyond Leicester’s reach.
Gabriel Martinelli- 7/10
Martinelli’s decision-making has seen a downfall in the last few games. Though pacy on the wing, Martinelli didn’t provide a real threat as such. However, his perfect ball from the corner was met by Partey to put Arsenal into the lead.
Substitutes
Emile Smith Rowe- 6/10
Came on for Martinelli in the 78th minute. Smith Rowe quickly influenced the game after coming on. Arsenal often sits back after taking a lead but the midfielder continued the Gunners’ offense. Nearly found himself on the scoresheet but Schmeichel closed his shot down.
Nicolas Pepe – N/A Came on for Martinelli in the 85th minute.
Eddie Nketiah – N/A Came on for Lacazette in the 88th minute.
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