Unnecessarily exciting, but Trossard arranged the victory in extra time!
It was unnecessarily hard inside, but in the end it was 4-2 and three points at home against newcomer Leicester. Arsenal are thus on the same points as Manchester City after six rounds.
First half
Arsenal lined up with the same starting XI as against Manchester City. In other words, Raya – unsure until the end – was ready to play. However, White was completely outside the squad this time.
Arsenal grabbed the baton immediately but did not have the overall sharpness initially. However, the pressure on the Leicester goal increased. Saka tried a shot from distance after a quarter of an hour and in the following attack he played forward Martinelli who shot over.
There and then it felt like it would be another match where Martinelli wouldn’t get it done. But in the 20th minute he finally got to score again. A very good interplay between Saka and Timber on the right wing resulted in the ball reaching Martinell, who shot in 1-0 at one of the chairs.
In added time, Martinelli played forward to Trossard who angled in 2-0 via the far post.
Arsenal completely dominated the half and at the break it felt like the situation was completely under control.
Second half
Maybe it was too easy in the first half, because it only took a minute before it was 2-1. In a running duel with Vardy, Saliba drew yellow and a free kick – a free kick that resulted in a goal after Justin’s header touched Havertz and changed direction.
Arsenal reacted quickly. Saka advanced in several dangerous situations and in the 58th minute Trossard hit the post after Saka’s preparatory work. But it was still Leicester who also scored the next goal. Justin charged on the volley and with the help of the post he made it 2-2.
Then Hermansen in Leicester’s goal looked to spoil Arsenal’s afternoon. Havertz tried, Trossard tried, substitute Nwaneri tried – but Hermansen stood in the way of everything.
The payoff came – in the 95th minute and on the 17th corner. Suddenly the margins were on Arsenal’s side. Trossard sent the ball into the mess in front of the goal, touch on Ndidi, tunnel on Hermansen – and 3-2.
In the last thing that happened, Havertz also entered the score sheet. 4-2 with one hundred minutes on the clock.
Summary
It would be typical for Arsenal to drop two points at home against a newcomer hours after Manchester City had to settle for a draw against Newcastle.
It was sloppy to let Leicester into the game – everything looked so safe at half-time. But it was nice that it worked out in the end and certainly the statistics say a lot about the match picture and Arsenal’s routine: 75 percent ball possession, 17-0 in corners and 36-5 in shots (16-3 on goal).
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Player rating (according to the following scale):
1 = Failed
2 = Approved
3 = Bra
4 = Very good
5 = World class
6 = Henry
David Raya – 2
Can’t be loaded for the goals and didn’t have much to do otherwise.
Riccardo Calafiori – 3
With a lot at stake, enterprising. Will be exciting to follow this season. The grade is pulled down a bit due to some marking misses and the fact that he was very close to being sent off.
William Saliba – 3
In the first half, Saliba won over Vardy by horse lengths – dictating the terms in all situations. Ended up a bit skewed in others but still good overall.
Gabriel – 3
Relatively quiet day at work. A constant threat in our corners and close to a new header.
Jurriën Timber – 4
Strong effort! Would love to be and is involved in the game. Starting to build up a nice interaction with Saka on the right wing. Sad to say it, but White is on his way out of the best starting XI.
Declan Rice – 3,5
Starting to get warm in the clothes again after a questionable start to the season. Is now a driving force in our midfield.
Thomas Partey (ut 85) – 3
Stable performance without shining. Has played himself up after a shaky start to the season.
Leandro Trossard (ut 97) – 4
Very useful and plays a decisive role on small surfaces. Being in the right place at the right time!
Bukayo Saka – 4
A lot happened around Saka on the right wing. Nice combinations with Timber, constantly challenging and sent in several dangerous corners.
Gabriel Martinelli (ut 74) – 3,5
Finally dividend! Goals and assists – let’s hope it loosens up now. We need more threats going forward.
Kai Havertz – 2
Didn’t quite get up to par today even though he’s struggling and trying all the time.
Understudy
Raheem Sterling (in 74) – 2
Didn’t make much of an impression. Tried to challenge on his edge but never really broke free.
Ethan Nwaneri (in 85) – X
Played too short a time to judge (but oh, how exciting!)
Gabriel Jesus (in 97) – X
Played too short to judge.
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Patrik Nyström2024-09-28 18:49:00
