LEANDRO TROSSARD netted an injury time winner to ensure Arsenal survived after blowing a two-goal lead to Leicester at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta’s team knew they had the chance to make a considerable gain in the title race after seeing Manchester City draw with Newcastle earlier in the day.
The players seemed to get the message loud and clear and came flying out of the blocks as Gabriel Martinelli got the opener after 20 minutes for his first league goal since April.
Martinelli then set up Leandro Trossard just before half-time to hand them a 2-0 lead.
Leicester threatened a second-half comeback as a James Justin header deflected off of Kai Havertz to wrong foot David Raya moments into the second half.
Justin netted an equaliser with a world class volley that Raya could do nothing about even at full stretch, and despite heavy pressure, they were unable to find a way past Mads Hermansen.
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That was until Trossard managed to squeeze an injury time shot in thanks to a deflection off of Wilfried Ndidi to ensure the Gunners did not lose ground in the title race.
Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners against Leicester.
David Raya – 6
After quiet first half Spaniard had to be alert in the second. Quick distribution allowed Arsenal to sustain attacking pressure.
Could do nothing for the goal after being wrong-footed by the Havertz deflection and was at full stretch for Justin’s world class equalising volley.
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Jurrien Timber – 7
Showed off both sides of his game with some good early interceptions before a superb low cross to set up Martinelli’s opener.
Skied a shot over the bar following a goal mouth scramble in the second half.
William Saliba – 7
Expertly marshalled Jamie Vardy whenever caught in a one-v-one situation in the first half.
Gave away a free-kick against the Foxes ace which ended up going in after a deflection off Havertz.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 7
After being centre of attention against Tottenham and Man City, the Brazilian had a more low key day dealing with the Foxes. His problems today were more on the ball than off.
Saw one near post header miraculously saved by Hermansen in the second half.
Riccardo Calafiori – 6
Closed down a dangerous chance early on after some sloppy midfield play from Thomas Partey, often tucked into midfield when in possession and looked very comfortable in the role.
Went missing for Justin’s equaliser and was booked in the second half for a trip on Facundo Buonanotte. Denied by a goal with a far post header by a superb Hermansen save.
Thomas Partey – 5
Caught out on the ball in the opening stages by Ndidi but recovered to play some nice passes.
Seemed absent from the midfield at times when asked to defend.
Declan Rice – 6
Made some good runs into the attacking third and was always able to offer an option. Delivered some dangerous corners and provided energy in midfield, even if much of the rest of his impact on the game was limited.
Saw a pass into Havertz on the edge of the area result in a penalty appeal waved away.
Kai Havertz – 7
Back in midfield role today and looked assured in much of his play. Nodded a header agonisingly wide in the 37th minute. Saw Leicester’s goal just after half-time deflect in off his chest to wrong foot Raya.
Only denied a foal by a world class save by Hermansen and was denied a penalty moments later. Showed desire to get to the far post a score a last minute goal and make it 4-2 after a Jesus run.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Usual bright self and tested the gloves of Hermansen early on before smart switch to play in Martinelli, who should have done better before skying his shot over the bar. Moments later played in Timber before he set up the opener.
Gabriel Martinelli – 8
Naughty tackle from ex-Spurs man Oliver Skipp didn’t dampen his spirits as he ended his goal drought by netting from Timber’s low cross. Arsenal’s most dangerous player in the first half and ended with an assist for Trossard on the stroke of half-time.
Faded in the second half and did not get back in time for Justin’s equaliser before being hooked for Sterling.
Leandro Trossard – 9
Tigerish work leading the line and forced a number of high turnovers, one of which led to a good Martinelli chance being saved by Hermansen. Got a goal for his efforts with a deft side foot into the bottom corner on the stroke of half-time.
Struck the wood work in the 58th minute and should have scored after Arsenal won the ball back high. Was eventually the match winner with a scruffy injury time strike from close range.
Subs
Raheem Sterling (on for Martinelli 74 mins) – 5
Didn’t make much impact after coming on.
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Ethan Nwaneri (on for Partey 85 mins) – 7
First act after getting the ball was to dribble and curl a shot to the far corner, which was destined for the net if not for a superb Hermansen save.
Gabriel Jesus (on for Trossard 94 mins) – 6
Dribble and shot helped Havertz net a last minute goal.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
