Arsenal vs Leicester match review

Arsenal stormed to a 3-1 victory over Leicester after a Mesut Ozil masterclass and a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang brace gave them, despite their start, a comfortable win and a 10^th in a row in all competitions.

It looked like Arsenal's winning streak would be tested when, inside the opening six minutes, Kelechi Iheanacho saw a shot deflected over and then had a curling effort saved by Bernd Leno. Arsenal were open at the back and loose in possession and were fortunate not to concede a penalty when the ball hit Rob Holding's hand in the box. Leno then made a sharp low save to keep out a powerful header from Harry Maguire before Leicester's pressure eventually was rewarded, with Chilwell bursting up the left flank, taking the ball past Bellerin with a brilliant first touch and then finishing with the help of a deflection off the Spaniard.

But the goal belatedly sparked Arsenal into life and they levelled before the break. Mesut Ozil's well-taken goal on the stroke of half-time proved to be the catalyst for an Arsenal comeback. Ozil played out to Bellerin on the right and then coolly finished the return pass into the box with a side-footed shot across goal and into the far corner, going in off the post.

Aubameyang was introduced in the 61st minute, and soon put Arsenal ahead when he finished from close range after Bellerin played across the face of goal from Ozil's perfectly-weighted pass. Once again, Aubameyang was making an instant impact off the bench, after scoring twice against Fulham just before the international break.

The third goal was vintage Arsenal, with the ball starting sll the way from Leno. A fantastic, slick passing move involving flicks and one touch football saw the ball travel from one end to another, with Ozil knocking the ball into Aubameyang’s path for an open net.

What did the game teach us?

It is evident that Arsenal still have some defensive frailties. Often in the first half we would see them caught out defensively, with Leicester forcing Bendt Leno into some good saves. More time is needed for Emery to take these mistakes out of the Arsenal side. However, once again the gunners attacking display was breath-taking. They have the highest conversion rate in the league this season at 23%, which is exceptional. The duo of Aubameyang and Lacazette will need to continue their excellent form if Arsenal are to compete at the top end of the league this season. The result puts Arsenal back in the top 4, only two points off top spot. Arsenal fans have every reason to get excited, and whilst a title challenge this season remains unlikely, the league table speaks for itself; Arsenal are improving considerably, and teams should be showing Emery’s men respect.

Who impressed?

This was the best I have seen Mesut Ozil play in a while. Picking up a goal and an assist, Ozil was at the forefront of Arsenal’s attack and was excellent throughout the game, working hard at both keeping and winning possession. He made a cool side-footed finish for the first goal look easy, before playing a key part in the second and third goals. After being the captain’s armband, these are the sort of performances he will have to produce more regularly if Arsenal are to achieve things this season

Player Ratings 

Arsenal: Leno (6), Bellerin (7), Mustafi (6), Holding (6), Lichtsteiner (6), Mkhitaryan (6), Torreira (7), Xhaka (6), Ozil (8), Iwobi (7), Lacazette (6)

Subs: Guendouzi (6), Aubameyang (8), Ramsey (5)

Leicester: Schmeichel (5), Amartey (5), Evans (5), Maguire (5), Chilwell (6), Pereira (5), Mendy (5), Ndidi (6), Maddison (5), Iheanacho (6), Vardy (5)

Subs: Albrighton (5), Ghezzal (5), Okazaki (5)