Leicester City produced their first win at Arsenal of any kind for 47 years with a mature and solid display to maintain a 100 per cent Premier League away record.
With two Premier League defeats ringing in their ears and injuries sure to cause them headaches for many more months, Leicester produced a strong away performance to nullify a fruitless Arsenal attack all with a strange starting xi that lacked a traditional striker. With the only real first-half action to speak of being a clear offside goal – Calm down Mikel! – it was left to Jamie Vardy to come off the bench and head in the winning goal late into the game.
This was not so much the smash and grab that Arteta and Guardiola will try and agree on over coffee though. It was a performance of Leicester grinding out an away win against a tough opponent unable to create meaningful attempts on goal. Brendan Rodgers tactical masterclass against a Spanish opponent was once again much-needed.
Leicester City player ratings v Arsenal
Kasper Schmeichel – 7
Not worked a great deal in the match with his expertly marshalled defence in front of him. When he was called into action in the 67th minute he beat away a shot from Bellerin. His normally susceptible kicking was much stronger.
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
Harvey Barnes – 6
Following a bright display against Zorya Luhansk, Barnes was deployed not so much the lone striker but more as a part of a team of runners. Barely touched the ball 1st half but a tricky run did cause Bellerin to haul him down for a booking. Tried valiantly to be dangerous but struggled to get on the shoulder of any defenders nor get in crucial attacking positions. Subbed off 74mins
Jamie Vardy – (Subbed on 59 mins) – 9
Caused the Arsenal team to collectively get nervous all at once on the hour with his introduction. A push forward into his favoured central position heralded the winning goal, could have added a second late on with Leno saving with his face. Had more shots on target in half an hour than he had in his last two matches. Maybe super-sub is what he might prosper from.
Cengiz Under – (subbed in 74 mins) – 9
First real breakthrough of the season for Leicester with an excellent run through the lines and a fantastic set-up cross for Vardy. Good hold up play and composure and excellent attacking of the areas drawing a booking from Tierney. Surely a contender for a starting place soon.
Marc Albrighton – (subbed in 84 mins) – 7
Held position well and ensured the good work of the team was not undermined by poor positional play. Rolled back the years with a perfect through ball for Vardy in injury time.