Arsenal 0 – 1 Leicester: Player ratings, Fofana MotM

Timothy Castagne – 7

Struggled in the first half with Tierney testing him wide and getting beyond him on a couple of occasions. Second half was much stronger with a better emphasis on his attacking play and stifling out any wide threats to break the lines.

James Justin – 7

Allowed his opposite number a bit too much space in the wide areas first half but was stronger in the second half like Castagne and pushed himself further forward and allowed the centre backs to do their jobs. How was hector Bellerin not sent off for wiping him out on the hour, though?

Wesley Fofana – 9 – MAN OF THE MATCH

A fantastic display (again). Links up play with his midfielder and wing backs, goes on charging runs, wins headers, key tackles, makes blocks and also marshalled Lacazette throughout. His positional sense is also exceptional. Caused a panic when he went down first half holding his knee. He’s only played a few games but already this 19 year old looks like a huge star for Leicester City.

Jonny Evans – 9

Not to be outdone by his much younger centre back partner, Evans had his best game of the season with expert defending and a huge tackle on the 10th minute. Much more to do in the first half but rarely did he allow Arsenal a sniff of a chance. Was booked for winning a header. His new contract can’t come quick enough.

Christian Fuchs – 7

Uncomfortable first half in a back three, gave the ball away frequently nearly scored an own goal and gave away a penalty in one movement and got booked for a late challenge. Also had a mare embarrassingly letting the ball roll under his foot. But second half with wing backs not pushing him inside so much he looked more comfortable and was rarely troubled second half.

Youri Tielemans – 8

Lots of chasing in the first half and some clumsy fouls (leading to a booking) but his hard work was matching Nampalys Mendy. Second half he got far more joy in midfield and found runners in abundance. His ball for Under in the goal was delicious and when he wants to he can turn on the style. Did the dirty work of winning cheap fouls to take the sting out of the game and ensure the win was never in doubt.

Nampalys Mendy – 9

4 years since 2016 & Mendy’s value to the team is becoming invaluable. Keeping the game ticking over and enabling the team to move around quickly. Did valuable work off the ball that went unseen, won crucial tackles and fouls that took the sting out of the game. His diligence is essential to ensuring an organised and disciplined defensive display. The reason the defence was rarely tested second half was down to his hard work.

Dennis Praet – 6

Played in an unusual wide right position where he seemed caught between defending and trying to push on. Kept his shape well but rarely got involved and was subbed off on the hour.

James Maddison – 8

His first Premier League start for some time, following his first European start and Maddison is starting to look sharper. Was one of the few bright sparks in the first half. Twice in the game he almost produced long range efforts that would have heralded spectacular goals. He’s growing in strength. Subbed off 84 minutes