MIKEL ARTETA just loves playing in the cup.
His side edged past Leicester 2-0 to secure their spot in the Carabao Cup fourth round.
Christian Fuchs’ own goal broke the deadlockCredit: AP:Associated Press
Arsenal celebrate taking the lead against LeicesterCredit: AP:Associated Press
Eddie Nketiah stabs home Arsenal’s second goalCredit: AFP or licensors
The performance was far from convincing as a second-string side failed to light up the King Power.
Nicolas Pepe’s perseverance ended in Christian Fuchs’ own goal after the break and Arsenal did not secure the win until Eddie Nketiah stabbed in on 90 minutes.
SunSport’s Josh Graham serves up his player ratings for the Gunners.
Bernd Leno – 6/10
Important early block from Kelechi Iheanacho reminded Gooners why Arteta was prepared to sell long-serving shot-stopper Emi Martinez to Aston Villa.
Got away with one when he was left in no man’s land as James Maddison’s gorgeous chip hit the woodwork.
Rob Holding – 5
Struggled with the pace of Leicester’s attack at times, perhaps surprised to still be on the books at the Emirates after strong rumours of a move to Newcastle on loan.
David Luiz – 6
A mature performance from the skipper on the night – biggest challenge came from his own keeper who clocked him with an elbow in the first period.
Sead Kolasinac – 4
Sead Kolasinac struggled for ArsenalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Looked like a man who wants to be elsewhere with talk he is keen to go back to Schalke.
Lost the run of Ayoze Perez who should have buried a free header late on.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 5
Not his most impactful appearance, struggled to get to grips with Demarai Gray early on.
Sloppy on the ball at points and saw far less of him than Bukayo Saka going forward.
Joe Willock – 5
A rare start in the centre of the park and truth be told Willock didn’t really make the most of it.
Mohamed Elneny – 5
Found it tough up against James Maddison, did little to stop one wondering where Mesut Ozil is.
Bukayo Saka – 8
Bukayo Saka impressed yet again for ArsenalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Provided a constant threat going forward down the left and should have had an assist in the 20th minute when he flashed a delicious ball across the box.
Beautiful feet and interplay surely should have won his side a first-half penalty but he was denied a stonewaller with VAR not in play.
Quieter after the break but the 19-year-old continues to show his excellent versatility.
Nicolas Pepe – 7
Somehow persevered long enough to help bundle the ball in off Christian Fuchs to break the deadlock.
Showed some nice touches in the second half when he was far more influential.
Eddie Nketiah – 8
Eddie Nketiah celebrates his late goalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Always keen to run in behind and linked up well with Saka and Nelson.
Wes Morgan’s heroic goalline clearance had prevented him nabbing a goal before he stabbed home a well-deserved strike after 90 minutes.
Reiss Nelson – 7
Constant threat cutting in from the left and sending gorgeous curling efforts goal-bound off his right foot.
Spurned a glorious opportunity all alone in the box after 30 minutes and his team-mates could be heard bemoaning his final product at times.
SUBS
Willian (on for Nelson, 72) – 6
Dani Ceballos (on for Willock, 78) – 6
Hector Bellerin (on for Saka, 87) – N/A
Arsenal announce new goalkeeper signing Alex Runarsson
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
