Arsenal dropped two valuable points on Tuesday as a late goal from Jamie Vardy ended their four-game winning streak in all competitions. The Gunners were on top in the first half, enjoying a one-goal advantage scored by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. But late in the game, Eddie Nketiah got sent off, and Leicester City made full use of that by scoring an equaliser through Jamie Vardy.
Arsenal Player Ratings Vs Leicester City
Emiliano Martinez 7/10
Made an important save in the first half from a Leicester City set-piece. Didn’t have to stretch otherwise aside from the equaliser, where he had very little to do. A neat display.
Shkodran Mustafi 7/10
Shkodran Mustafi was solid for most of the game. He made a host of blocks and clearances, helping Arsenal keep hold of the Leicester City. But, he was the one who kept Vardy onside (?) and failed to track his run as the English international ultimately scored the equaliser.
David Luiz 7/10
David Luiz had a decent game given his recent form. The Brazilian was excellent in his forward passes, one of which led to an excellent chance. Defensively, the veteran centre-back also provided the necessary solidity.
Sead Kolasinac 7.5/10
Sead Kolasinac was perhaps Arsenal’s best defender of the evening. The Bosnian looked bright from the start, particularly with his interceptions. He also wasn’t afraid to move forward and provide offensive support.
Hector Bellerin 8/10
Hector Bellerin was one of Arsenal’s best performers this evening. The Spaniard looked extremely dangerous whenever he moved forward down the right flank with menace. He notably created a couple of excellent chances, which could have been converted.
Granit Xhaka 8/10
Granit Xhaka was once again effective in the middle third of the pitch. The Swiss international’s work-rate was tremendous, and he won a host of balls in the middle, helping Arsenal dominate the midfield. Xhaka was willing to cover the extra ground when Arsenal went down to ten men.
Dani Ceballos 8.5/10
Yet another top performance from Dani Ceballos, who starred in midfield with his dazzling movement and sumptuous passing. He provided the flair that was required in the middle of the pitch. In fact, it was his exquisite through ball that released Saka in behind the Leicester City backline as the move eventually led to the opener.
Moreover, Ceballos looked brave and was willing to close down the opposition, which is something that has been quite prominent with his performances, of late. A top display from the Spaniard.
Kieran Tierney 7.5/10
Kieran Tierney wasn’t as effective as Bellerin on the opposite flank. However, the Scot provided excellent support from the left side, releasing a host of dangerous crosses throughout the first half. His influence did fade after the restart as Arsenal embraced a more defensive approach.
Bukayo Saka 8/10
Looked more comfortable in the right-wing slot than he did at Wolves. The youngster was more willing to make runs in behind the backline and provide passing options for his teammate. His combination play with his teammates was also excellent. And most importantly, Bukayo Saka provided the accurate low cross that led to Aubameyang’s opener.
Alexandre Lacazette 8.5/10
Alexandre Lacazette was arguably the most hard-working player on the pitch for Arsenal this evening. The Frenchman has really improved in recent weeks, and it was evident in his performance.
Indeed, the striker was always willing to create chances and make something happen in the final third. He linked up well with his teammate, made several runs in behind the backline and often offered himself as a passing option. Arsenal’s misery followed his substitution late in the game.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 7.5/10
It was a much better performance from Aubameyang, who enjoyed much more freedom in the final third. He was often interchanging positions and changing his running trajectory, thus unsettling the Leicester backline. Also made an excellent run to score the opener, although his influence did understandably wane in the second half due to lack of supply.
SUBSTITUTES
Eddie Nketiah 1/10
Replaced Lacazette in the 71st minute. And without even touching the ball, the striker made a horrendous tackle on Justin James that got him sent off after an extensive check from the VAR. It changed the complexion of the game as Arsenal went down to ten men.
Joe Willock 5/10
Came on for Saka just after the drinks break. But while Mikel Arteta’s plan was to add more dynamism in the creative unit, Joe Willock saw himself defending for the most part due to Nketiah’s red card.
Lucas Torreira 5/10
Replaced Ceballos in the 80th minute as Arteta opted for fresh legs in midfield to cope with Leicester City’s relentless pressure late in the game.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles N/A
A late replacement for Aubameyang.
