Arsenal scored twice in a dramatic stoppage-time interval to beat Leicester 4-2 and transfer stage on factors with Premier League leaders Manchester Metropolis.
James Justin’s dramatic second-half double had introduced Leicester again stage at 2-2 from 2-0 down, however Wilfried Ndidi’s personal objective (90+4) from one other very important Arsenal nook put the Gunners again forward earlier than Kai Havertz settled the outcome on the counter (90+9), after a VAR examine on the objective.
It was the Gabriel Martinelli present in north London throughout the first half because the Brazilian swept dwelling Jurrien Timber’s cross (20), then arrange Leandro Trossard’s slotted end on the stroke of half-time.
Leicester had only one contact within the Arsenal penalty space throughout the first half and didn’t register a shot on course on David Raya’s objective, however that every one modified early within the second half as Justin’s header took a depraved deflection off Havertz to halve the deficit.
Arsenal then confronted unimaginable resistance from Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen as they bid to revive their two-goal cushion, because the shot-stopper clawed out Gabriel’s header from a nook after which the close-range rebound from Riccardo Calafiori.
Trossard then struck the submit from the sting of the field and people moments proved essential as Leicester then levelled in spectacular vogue. Justin met a high-hanging cross from the left contained in the field and crashed in previous the helpless Raya through the assistance of the submit.
Hermansen continued his heroics to maintain Leicester stage. First he saved from Havertz from point-blank vary, then he clawed Trossard’s effort away from contained in the field after his preliminary move out the again prompted chaos for the guests.
Arsenal introduced on Raheem Sterling to attempt to make the distinction, however it was Ethan Nwaneri who went closest out of the substitutes as his long-range drive needed to be saved out by Hermansen, who was additionally equal to Calafiori’s bullet header from a late nook.
However after 2.37 xG of second-half probabilities wasted, the stress ultimately advised as Trossard’s shot from Bukayo Saka’s deep nook deflected in off N’Didi and previous the helpless Hermansen.
Kai Havertz seals the win for Arsenal with a fourth objective within the 99th minute
Then with Leicester pushing our bodies ahead, Havertz completed on the again submit after Justin performed the ball into his path after Gabriel Jesus’ shot was saved.
Why are Arsenal now title ‘favourites’? They preserve getting over the road…
Sky Sports activities’ Sam Blitz on the Emirates Stadium:
Arsenal have the identical quantity of factors as Manchester Metropolis within the Premier League desk however the bookmakers have the Gunners down as slight favourites over Pep Guardiola’s aspect.
It makes little or no sense, given Metropolis have the expertise and Arsenal are nonetheless going for his or her first Premier League title in over twenty years. So what do Arsenal have that Metropolis do not?
The reply is evident: set-pieces. Tottenham, Man Metropolis and now Leicester – that is three Premier League video games in a row the place Arsenal have scored from the identical nook routine: Bukayo Saka’s supply from the fitting, a number of Arsenal gamers dashing the goalkeeper and the ball behind the online, both deliberate or simply discovering a method in one way or the other.
It’s one other instance of deliberate stress Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have. They’re so well-drilled in a number of areas of the pitch.
It’s not simply with set items, they’re this environment friendly in open play too. Steve Cooper mentioned they conceded two “typical Arsenal goals” within the first half having spent all week engaged on the way to defend Arsenal’s cutbacks and crosses. “That’s how good they can be,” mentioned Cooper after the sport.
The ball retains on going into the online for Arsenal and the factors preserve racking up. Arsenal are but to lose this season regardless of a difficult final 10 days or so. If you cannot beat Arsenal after they’re on an off-day, when are you able to?
How did Arsenal virtually not win?
Sky Sports activities’ Lewis Jones:
“The numbers behind this game are extraordinary. Arsenal created the most expected goals of the season at 4.12 and Leicester’s 0.27 tally was the third lowest of the season – yet, Arsenal nearly failed to win. A bonkers afternoon.”
