Following their finish outside top four for the first time in two decades, Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal started off the new Premier League campaign with a vow to re-establish their Champions League status and were determined to make a winning start against Leicester City at Emirates.
The Foxes boss Craig Shakespeare turned his side’s fortune around despite a dismal inception in their title defence under Claudio Ranieri and the gaffer was confident enough to replicate the same from the very beginning of a brand new Premier League season.
The Friday night fixture produced an end-to-end thriller and despite leading for the majority of the game, Leicester suffered a 4-3 defeat against the home side.
Below are the Leicester City players rated from this fixture:
Kasper Schmeichel: 6.5
Could have done little to deny either of Arsenal’s first half goals but pulled off a few stunning saves throughout the game. But failed to secure a result as two late Arsenal goals spoiled his good work.
Danny Simpson: 5.5
Was often troubled by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Sead Kolasinac down the right-hand flank. Mostly concentrated in defensive duties and contributed little in attack.
Wes Morgan: 5
The skipper left Lacazette unmarked when he broke the deadlock within a couple of minutes into the game. Blocked a few of the Gunners efforts but could not secure a result for his side.
Harry Maguire: 5
Set up Leicester’s first goal for Okazaki. Looked vulnerable defensively.
Christian Fuchs: 6
Had an impressive first half and often created troubles with his long throw-ins. Was highly ineffective in the second half and failed to stop the Gunners from snatching all three points.
Matty James: 5.5
Earned his first Premier League start in place of injured Danny Drinkwater. Mostly sat back to screen his back-line and was replaced by Kelechi Iheanacho towards the end.
Wilfred Ndidi: 6
Ndidi looked decent in first half as he broke down a few of the Gunners’ attacks in the middle of the park. But failed to keep the composure towards the end and two quick goals spoiled their night despite leading for the majority of the game.
Marc Albrighton: 7
Worked hard and troubled Rob Holding with his pace. His sublime cross helped Vardy to find the back of the net from close range. Was replaced by Demarai Gray in closing minutes.
Riyad Mahrez: 5.5
Had a quiet first half. Tested Cech with his shooting and Vardy netted his second of the night from his corner.
Jamie Vardy: 8
His party continues as he proved his goal-poaching instinct once more and netted a brace despite ending up on the losing side.
Shinji Okazaki: 7
The Japanese forward jumped quite high to equalize minutes after Lacazette’s opener. Was replaced by Daniel Amartey toward the end.
