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 chasing it for the majority of the game, the hosts snatched an enthralling 4-3 win in season opener.
Arsenal Players Rated & Slated In Their Dramatic Win Vs Leicester City
Petr Cech: 6
Misjudged his outing when Okazaki equalized with a sublime header. Could have done little to deny Vardy when he tapped in from close range picking up a majestic Albrighton cross. Although he stopped a couple of decent efforts in second half, the veteran custodian could have done nothing to stop Vardy’s header.
Rob Holding: 5
Made a few no-nonsense clearances but often struggled in front of pacy Albrighton. Lost possession a few times in dangerous positions that almost cost his side. Was replaced by French marksman Olivier Giroud midway in the second half.
Nacho Monreal: 6
Started in the middle of Arsenal’s ‘back three’ in a makeshift role; tried to build the game from the deep defense with his passing skill and experience.
Sead Kolasinac: 7
Arsenal’s new signing was going forward and contained Riyad Mahrez in most occasions. Set up the second goal for Danny Welbeck just before the half-time whistle to help the Gunners back in the game from behind.
Hector Bellerin: 6
Was impressive with his blistering pace, overlap runs, and cut insides. Misplaced a few passes and mistimed few runs in first half. Was denied by Schmeichel in the second half. Should have contributed more defensively.
Granit Xhaka: 6
Xhaka did a howler as his misplaced pass was picked up by Albrighton and his sublime cross was finished into the back of the net by Jamie Vardy. The Gunners almost conceded again after the break following his loss of possession. The Swiss international, however, was at fault once more when he left Jamie Vardy unmarked who restored the lead from Mahrez’s corner.
But it was him who turned the fortunes around in closing minutes as his sublime pass was netted by substitute Ramsey. And Olivier Giroud, the other substitute, headed home from his corner a couple of minutes later.
Mohamed Elneny: 6.5
Helped to keep the shape in midfield, covered lots of ground and found out Lacazette within a couple of minutes of the game who headed home in his Premier League debut. Was taken off and was replaced by Aaron Ramsey midway of the second half.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 7
The Englishman was excellent in the left wing-back role and kept on running down the flank and whipping in crosses for the forwards. Also, provided enough defensive cover that helped Kolasinac to rush forward.
Mesut Ozil: 6
His passing was predictable at times but linked up well with Welbeck and Lacazette. Constructed a few decent moves with smart one-twos and quick passing.
Danny Welbeck: 7
The Englishman came close to find that Back of the net a couple of times before sending it into the back of the net from Kolasinac’s pass right on course of half-time. Was replaced by Theo Walcott for last quarter of an hour.
Alexandre Lacazette: 7.5
The hitman marked his Premier League debut with a sublime header within two minutes into the game. Worked hard to win possession outside the box. Tested the opponent’s custodian and looked lethal in front of goal.
Substitutes
Aaron Ramsey: 7
Wenger’s substitution paid him off as the Welshman picked up Xhaka’s delivery and slotted home to draw an equalizer.
Olivier Giroud: 7
Wenger’s super-sub netted with a sublime header to steal a victory.
Theo Walcott: 6
Came in place of Welbeck. Kept on pushing for a goal and combining with fellow attackers.
