That’s all from me today after another impressive performance from Arsenal. Thanks all for following along.
Here is Barney Ronay from the Emirates Stadium.
“This is, after all, the youngest squad in the Premier League. They probably deserve to have a little fun, and that quality that has been key to Arsenal’s surge of form, the sense that Mikel Arteta has created both a clear tactical system, and more importantly, a vibe, a feeling of something juiced with its own youthful energy. The past no longer lingers around this place. Or at least, not while they continue to win. And this was the start of a key period in the slog towards the season’s end game.”
Martin Ødegaard and Thomas Partey react to a dominant Arsenal win... 🔴#ARSLEIpic.twitter.com/qEcEecvTbl
— Sky Sports (@SkySports) March 13, 2022
After such quality performances by Arsenal against lesser teams, Wednesday’s game against Liverpool at the Emirates will be another interesting measure of exactly how far this Arsenal team has come and how they stack up against the best.
Both Arsenal and Liverpool have won at least 5 games in a row. According to Opta, the last time this happened? Their April 2009 encounter when Arshavin scored four goals and the game ended 4-4.
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Martin Ødegaard has started Arsenal's last 14 Premier League matches - in that time, he's...
— The Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) March 13, 2022
- Created the second-most chances in the PL (40) behind Trent Alexander-Arnold (41).
- Created the second-most open play chances in the PL (33) behind Bruno Fernandes (34).#AFC pic.twitter.com/Q6JU4XWf2h
Martin Odegaard on Sky Sports:
“We have a lot of confidence in the team now. I think everyone believes in what we’re doing. we just have to keep going, keep improving and we’ll see where it takes us.”
Arsenal finished with 21 shots to Leicester’s 6 shots, with 8 shots on target to 3.
Arsenal in a great place at the moment. Over the last few seasons the senior players have been criticized but at the moment they are really stepping up and helping the younger players. Arteta deserves a lot of credit as well.
— Danny Higginbotham (@Higginbotham05) March 13, 2022
◉ 1-0 vs. Wolves
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) March 13, 2022
◉ 2-1 vs. Brentford
◉ 2-1 vs. Wolves
◉ 3-2 vs. Watford
◉ 2-0 vs. Leicester
Arsenal make it five consecutive Premier League wins and move back into the top four. 👏 pic.twitter.com/SIlxFHdLTv
Full time: Arsenal 2-0 Leicester City
Even without the spectacular goals of last week’s win over Watford, a brilliant performance from Arsenal today. They were totally in control, with both Partey and Odegaard dominating midfield and the entire team looking so cohesive. A fifth straight win takes them back into the top four.
90 min: 5 minutes added on.
89 min: Meanwhile, Arsenal continue to keep hold of the ball and react calmly to the few moments of pressure. This time, Barnes picked up the ball inside the box and very nearly got the ball under control, but the Arsenal defence picked it up slowly passed out of the back.
88 min: Another substitution for Arsenal, with Nketiah replacing Arsenal’s second goalscorer Lacazette.
86 min: Pepe replaces a very good Saka.
83 min: After a few good attacking minutes from Leicester, there hasn’t been too much from them. Arsenal remain in control, passing so smoothly and patiently moving the ball up the pitch. Cries of ‘Olé’ ring out from the Emirates.
80 min: Yellow card for Daka, who cynically brought down Saka after the youngster had skipped past him with ease. Arsenal look like they are really enjoying themselves here.
77 min: Martinelli has been replaced by Smith Rowe. An assist and a really good performance from the Brazilian.
75 min: After many slick, quick, one-touch and no look passes, Arsenal’s long period of possession ended with Partey just heading wide.
72 min: With Odegaard continuing to dictate the game and pull all of the strings, this has been a really nice, long period of possession for Arsenal. They have calmed the game down after a few minutes of fast, end-to-end counter attacks.
Here is Lacazette’s goal.
What a penalty! 😲
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 13, 2022
Alexandre Lacazette ends his goal-drought in some style 👏 pic.twitter.com/jYBkcX5vCA
Of course, in this period Lacazette has registered seven assists.
Alexandre Lacazette’s goal against Leicester was the first time he has scored since Boxing Day against Norwich.
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) March 13, 2022
His nine game goalless streak comes to an end from the penalty spot. ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/LEKivfilLe
64 min: With Leicester forced to commit men forward as they chase the deficit, things are quickly moving from end to end. After some furious attacks from both teams, a big chance for Barnes who just had the ball nicked from his feet inside the box by Tierney.
61 min: Two changes for Leicester straight off the goal. Justin and Ndidi have replaced Ricardo and Mendy
GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Leicester City
With a little shimmy, Lacazette buries his penalty into the top left corner.
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58 min: Penalty! After plenty of deliberation and a VAR check, Taylor awards Arsenal a penalty and gives Soyuncu a yellow card.
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55 min: Leicester clear the ball off the line! After Martinelli won a free kick, Odegaard’s free kick ended with Party heading towards the goal from inside the box and it was eventually cleared by Thomas. However, the ball may have hit Soyuncu’s hand as it was cleared. Tense moments...
50 min: Big chance for Arsenal after an outrageous move up the pitch. After scuppering a Leicester attack, Arsenal immediately went on the break, slickly moving the ball through the tightest spaces. Some particularly beautiful passes from Odegaard, who continues to pull the strings. Some good defence from Leicester though, with multiple players blocking shots before Partey was just unable to connect with a left-footed shot.
47 min: A good start from Arsenal, who immediately win a free kick in Leicester’s half. After a short free kick by Saka, Tierney whipped a cross straight towards White inside the box, who attempted a backheel shot. It wasn’t really close, but it looked nice.
45 min: Leicester do indeed kick off, immediately sending the ball straight into Ramsdale’s arms.
And we’re back for the second half. The players are out on the Emirates pitch once more. Leicester to kick off.
Here is the only goal so far.
Partey time at the Emirates! 🎉
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 13, 2022
Woeful defending from Leicester but just reward for Arsenal, who have got off to a flyer! 💥
Watch #ARSLEI live on Sky Sports Premier League! pic.twitter.com/B3lSbi5SXx
Half Time: Arsenal 1-0 Leicester City
Partey’s header from a corner separates the two teams at half time. After a blistering opening from Arsenal as they created wave after wave of offence, Leicester really improved in the final 10 minutes. An interesting second half to come.
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45 min: One minute added time.
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43 min: Good chance. A solid delivery by Maddison found Soyuncu’s left foot from the left of the goal, who attempted to lob Ramsdale but he just could not keep his shot down.
41 min: The pressure is cetainly building. After a long period of possession from Leicester, Saka won the ball. Lacazette, under pressure, immediately gave the ball away to Albrighton. As he attempted to win it back, Lacazette committed a frustrated foul.
39 min: This is by far Leicester’s best spell of the game and they are starting to impose consistent pressure on Arsenal. This time, a cross from Maddison from the right yields another corner. After some tense moments, Arsenal clear.
38 min: Some of these quick passing combinations by Arsenal from out the back are just delicious.
35 min: Chance! After Leicester engineered a couple of corners, Albrighton whipped in a cross from the right that landed squarely on Barnes’ forehead. Solid header from Barnes towards the side of the goal, which Ramsdale was more than equal to. Good reflex save.
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30 min: A brief stoppage after Ihenacho socked Gabriel in the face as they tussled for a ball. It seemed a bit reckless rather than malicious and that’s what Anthony Taylor seems to have concluded. As Gabriel fell to the ground and needed some time to get up, Ihenacho received a yellow card.
29 min: After a strong few minutes from Leicester, Arsenal regained possession and engineered a nice, patient attack. It ended with Lacazette attempting a solid shot from distance, but Schmeichel had no problem picking it up.
25 min: Leicester are slowly beginning to settle after being overwhelmed for 20 minutes and they just generated their first significant chance as Maddison very nearly picked up the ball in front of an open goal after a nice move from the left.
Arsenal were saved only by an excellent last ditch tackle from White after Ramsdale attempt to beat away a low cross from the left rolled towards Maddison on the edge of the box.
23 min: A first real chance for Leicester, with a lofted ball from Dewsbury-Hall finding Barnes in the area. From a tight angle on the left, Barnes attempted to beat Ramsdale but the ball rolled out for a corner.
19 min: Arsenal continue to batter Leicester here, attacking in wave after wave. Surrounded by about four players, Saka beat them all, carried the ball into the box and then he fell in the area. There looked to be some contact. As the crowd shouted for a penalty, however, Arsenal coolly recycled the ball, with Martinelli’s strike just not firm enough.
17 min: Chance! Partey hits the woodwork after a beautifully worked goal from the right. After a series of quick, silky passes including a backheel from Lacazette inside the box, Xhaka’s shot was blocked. The ball rolled to Partey from outside of the box, and he just couldn’t curl it into the top right hand corner.
14 min: This has been such an impressive last eight or so minutes from Arsenal and Martinelli in particular is everywhere. This time, he picked up a lofted ball from the left and breezed past Ricardo on the left. He looked through on goal before he was deemed offside once more.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Leicester City (Partey 11)
After a brilliant start from Arsenal yields an early corner, Martinelli whips in an excellent delivery that Partey confidently heads in for his second goal of the season .
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8 min: Martinelli is already making himself a nuisance here. This time, he is released inside the box by a slick pass from Odegaard. However, Schmeichel was equal to his finish and then he was ruled offside.
6 min: After patiently building from the back for the past few minutes, Arsenal create some danger through a great pass by Tierney to Martinelli on the left. Martinelli runs at Pereira before the ball goes out for a corner. A few penalty appeals, but nothing major.
3 min: While Arsenal have had possession for most of the first two minutes, Leicester have already demonstrated their intentions with some high octane pressing out of the gate. A panicked pass from the Arsenal defence turns over the ball. Otherwise, a quiet start.
1 min: Arsenal kick off.
Both teams are on the pitch at the Emirates. We are minutes away.
Brendan Rodgers on Sky Sports:
“Mikel’s done fantastic after a difficult start. They have that cohesion now and players that can make a difference. It’s a real challenge but we came here last year and won.”
Afternoon, lads! 👋
— Leicester City (@LCFC) March 13, 2022
We've got #ArsLei team news coming up 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 shortly... pic.twitter.com/9roDwff5eQ
Mikel Arteta has opted for no changes to Arsenal’s starting lineup from last weekend when they beat Watford. As expected, Smith Rowe returns to the squad on the bench.
Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City have made three changes since their win over Leeds, with Vardy out with injury while Tielemans and Ndidi start on the bench. Ihenacho, Pereira and Mendy take their places in the starting lineup.
Teams:
Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; Cedric, White, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Lacazette
Subs: Leno, Smith Rowe, Holding, Pepe, Tavares, Lokonga, Elneny, Nketia, Swanson
Leicester XI: Schmeichel; Pereira, Amartey, Soyuncu, Thomas; Maddison, Mendy, Dewsbury-Hall; Albrighton, Ihenacho, Barnes
Subs: Justin, Tielemans, Perez, Choudhury, Vestergaard, Ndidi, Daka, Jakupovic, Lookman
Important statistics.
If Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Martinelli play against Leicester, they will join Gabriel Paulista with all three Arsenal Gabriels having played exactly 46 Premier League games.
— Orbinho (@Orbinho) March 13, 2022
Jamie Vardy’s 11 goals against Arsenal is the second most any player has scored against Arsenal in the Premier League, behind only Wayne Rooney’s 12. He will play no role today after being ruled out in the week due to his continued recovery from a knock to his knee.
Meanwhile, Leicester’s Marc Albrighton spoke about Arsenal:
“They’ve had a really good season and they’ve really tightened up at the back. They’ve got some good quality young players going forward. It’s going to be a difficult game, but one we’re looking forward to and it’s a great opportunity for ourselves.
“I obviously watch a lot of Premier League football and you can see how well they’re doing. They’ve got some good young English talent, which is great for the England and Arsenal themselves. They seem full of confidence at the moment so it’ll be tough but we look forward to the challenge.”
(via LCFC TV)
In his Friday press conference, Mikel Arteta spoke about Leicester.
Well I agree that they’ve been much more consistent in terms of performances and results. It’s a team that has come a long, long way and I think Brendan [Rodgers] and the coaching staff have done exceptional work, they have a lot of injuries as well, I believe this season, plus the Covid issues that we’ve all been through, it’s a difficult mixture and it’s been difficult for all managers, but as you said, they’re now in a better moment.
Emile Smith-Rowe is back in the squad today after being out due to Covid but Arteta said Arsenal are being “cautious” with Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Preamble
Hello! Welcome to our coverage of this afternoon’s contest between Arsenal and Leicester City. As Arsenal look to continue their top four push today, Leicester will try to return to the top half of the table after falling down to 12.
Arsenal return home with good vibes surrounding them and as they look for their 5th consecutive Premier League win. Last week, the tight scoreline in their 3-2 away win over Watford did not fully reflect the joy and cohesion they played with, scoring three lovely goals and doing so with their group of young stars, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard at the heart of anything good for them.
After Manchester United’s win over Tottenham, they trail United in fourth place by two points but with four games in hand over them. Over the past 10 games, Arsenal have won the joint most points in the league alongside Manchester City. We’ll see if they can maintain this run of form.
Meanwhile, 12th place is not where more people envisioned that Leicester City would be this year and it has been a frustrating season. Still, they arrive at the Emirates having at least established some winning habits in recent weeks.
With the caveat that they came against two teams, Leeds and Burnley, fighting for relegation, Leicester have won their last two Premier League games and they are looking for their fifth successive win in all competitions. Like Arsenal, they have only played 25 games so far and can make up plenty of ground on some of the teams ahead of them.
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In October, Arsenal came through 0-2 against Leicester with some typical heroics from Aaron Ramsdale.
Last time out against Leicester 😍
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 13, 2022
🧤 @AaronRamsdale98
🔜 #ARSLEI pic.twitter.com/zqz8l7dv0X
