Match Report & Player Ratings ARS/LEI

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In the opening 15 minutes, it was very even with both teams trying to dominate possession, however the first real chance of the match fell to the Foxes as a short corner was worked down the left hand side allowing Albrighton to cut the ball back into the path of Iheanacho who took it first time forcing Martinez into a fine stop down to his right. Once the Gunners had started to settle into the game, the breakthrough game in the 21st minute when Ceballos threaded a perfectly weighted through ball down the right to the onrushing Saka, giving the youngster the opportunity to show off his quick feet, siting Johnny Evans down and going round him like he wasn’t even there before squaring the ball to Arsenal’s fox in the box Aubameyang for a simple finish. Arteta’s side were hungry for more and every attack they looked like they were going to score, as shorty after Saka picked up the ball on the right of the box with his head up to dink a pass into Lacazette, who’s first touch was exemplary which allowed him to strike a fierce shot low into the left corner, however Schmeichel was somehow equal to it. The game really should have been over by halftime as Bellerin created a golden opportunity for Lacazette as his floated cross found the Frenchman at the back post with the goal gaping, but the Foxes keeper was able to stop his tame effort. At the end of the first 45 minutes it was Arsenal 1-0 Leicester.

Brendon Rodgers side started the second half brightly, dictating the tempo of the game as Arteta’s team looked slightly leggy, which in turn gave Ihenacho another decent opening as Vardy picked him out with a pass Kevin De Bruyne would have been thrilled with, however the Nigerian couldn’t find a way past Martinez. Then in the 75th minute, the turning point in the match came as young substitute Eddie Nketiah was sent off after an extensive VAR check when his tackle was deemed as serious foul play. The Gunners may feel slightly aggrieved with this decision as there was clearly no malicious intent from the Englishman as he wasn’t even looking at the player when they collided, even so it was like deja vu for Arteta as he is all too familiar about going down to 10 men in big games therefore knew their only hope now was to hang on. The Foxes continued to press and eventually got their reward as in the 84th minute top goalscorer Jamie Vardy latched onto a dangerous cross to side foot past Martinez from inside the six yard box, this goal wasn’t without its controversy either though as the ball appeared to clip the studs of Perez on the way through to the Englishman, therefore making him offside. After another VAR review it was deemed as onside, adding another dubious call to the catalogue of decisions which have been made against Arsenal this season. In the end, the game ended Arsenal 1-1 Leicester.

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