ARSENAL Extended their unbeaten run to NINE with a 2-0 win over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s men started the game quickly, and in under five minutes they got themselves in front.
Bukayo Saka’s expert cross from a corner was met by Gabriel, who flicked the ball into the far corner of the net.
The Gunners were happy to defend deep and hit the Foxes on the counter when the opportunity arose.
And Emile Smith Rowe doubled Arsenal’s lead before the 20 minute mark.
Saka broke down the right-hand side before finding Alexandre Lacazette inside the penalty area.
But the Frenchman failed to control the ball and get a shot off.
Smith Rowe snapped up the loose ball and fired low past Kasper Schmeichel, who was rooted to the middle of the goal.
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Leicester’s best chance of the game came through James Maddison just before half-time.
The midfielder curled a free-kick towards the top right corner, but Gunners keeper Aaron Ramsdale got up well to tip the ball onto the underside of the crossbar.
Jonny Evans tried to bounce on the rebound but the ball was cleared just before the Foxes could pull one back.
The Foxes pressed in the second half to find a way back into the game, but Ramsdale was there to deny them.
The win puts Arsenal level on points with Champions League chasing West Ham.
Here’s how SunSport rate Arteta’s men’s performance on Saturday.
Aaron Ramsdale – 9
Fantastic performance from the young keeper, who is targeting Jordan Pickford’s England No1 shirt.
His save to deny Maddison from the free-kick was simply world class, and he’s proving a lot of people wrong.
Ramsdale also denied Ademola Lookman in the second half – in Peter Schmeichel style – cutting the angle off spread-eagle.
Four clean sheets in seven appearances for the 23-year-old.
Nuno Tavares – 6
Another assured performance from the summer signing on the left side of Arsenal’s defence.
Tavares looks good going forward and disciplined in defence.
Dug deep during Leicester’s second half onslaught and headed the danger clear on numerous occasions.
Gabriel – 7
One of the key cogs in Arsenal’s defence alongside big money arrival Ben White.
Set the tone of the afternoon with his well placed header.
The Brazilian looks to be forming quite the partnership with White, and boss Arteta will be hoping the pair keep up their good form.
Ben White – 6
Didn’t buckle under Leicester’s second half pressure.
Done a good job at keeping an eye on talisman Jamie Vardy, alongside his fellow defenders.
Takehiro Tomiyasu – 6
The Japan international spent a lot of time inside his own half defending Leicester attacks.
But overall he had a decent game and kept a clean sheet.
Emile Smith Rowe – 7
Smith Rowe is going front strength to strength this season.
He was close to a senior England call-up during the last international break, and he’s put himself in contention for November’s fixtures with his goal scoring display.
Took his goal really well and worked hard for the team overall.
Albert Sambi Lokonga – 6
Spent a lot of time out of possession as Leicester held onto the majority of the ball.
Got stuck in when needed and showed discipline when defending some of the home side’s attacks.
Thomas Partey – 6
The experienced midfielder marshalled the midfield well and lead by example.
He’s forming a good partnership with Lokonga, who is relishing the chance to play games in the injured Granit Xhaka’s absence.
Bukayo Saka – 6
Worked hard out wide on the right-hand side.
Picked up an assist for Gabriel’s early opener and played a pivotal role in Smith Rowe’s second with a surging forward run.
Alexandre Lacazette – 6
Couldn’t quite stamp down his authority.
Didn’t connect well with Saka’s cutback, but the ball fell to Smith Rowe who tucked the Gunners’ second home.
Hooked off after 58 minutes.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 7
The club captain is starting to find his feet again.
He worked hard from the team and lead the line well, pressing at every opportunity.
Almost picked up an assist with a well-struck volley that almost found Partey at the back post.
Subs
Martin Odegaard for Lacazette (58 mins) – 6
Didn’t really make an impact and has struggled to this season since making his loan move permanent from Real Madrid.
A game where Arsenal dictate the tempo will suit Odegaard best, but today wasn’t one of those days.
Nicolas Pepe for Saka (84 min) – N/A
Sead Kolasinac for Smith Rowe (90 mins) – N/A
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
