Jamie Vardy came off the bench to score his 11th goal against Arsenal in 12 appearances. This set up Leicester for their first away win against the Gunners in 47 years.
It was a game of two halves really. Arsenal had the better first half and threatened more. But key changes for Leicester ensured of a great result in the end.
Arsenal struggled infront of goal, and whenever they got close, they were wasteful and not good enough, even with a goal rightly disallowed for offside in the first half. Aubameyang has not been himself since signing his new lucrative contract in the summer, this is now the longest run of games he has not scored in since he was at Dortmund under Jurgen Klopp.
The Arsenal boss might have some regrets about leaving Ozil out of the 25-man squad after years of being the Gunners most prominent creator. He is just what Arteta would have needed against a hard to break down Leicester City, a pass to split a defence? That screams Mesut Ozil. Instead they had Bukayo Saka who struggled massively against Timothy Castagne on the wing. Ozil’s presence was missed for Arsenal.
Meanwhile it was a solid defensive display from Leicester who were switched on at the back at all times. Not to mention their ability to create chances on the counter which ultimately grabbed them the points.
One of the most important players for Leicester right now and key in the win is Nampalys Mendy. It’s been four years since he signed for the 2016 Premier League champions and his value to the team is quickly becoming invaluable, he kept the game ticking over, and this enabled the team to move around quickly.
Mendy did so much valuable work off the ball that went unseen, won crucial tackles and fouls which took the sting out of the game. His persistence was fundamental to ensuring an organised and disciplined defensive display, the reason Brendan Rodgers men were rarely tested in the second half was down to his sheer hard work.
It was an impressive display yet again from the 19-year-old Wesley Fofana, he didn’t put a foot wrong throughout the match. Won all of his aerieal challenges and made some perfect tackles.
He is looking like a promising player for Leicester City early on, and he was a great partner for Jonny Evans at centre-back. Evans who is 13 years older, still showed no signs of slowing down with a stellar performance at the back proving his worth. His new contract cannot come quick enough for the Foxes.
It moved the Foxes into the top four ahead of newcomers Leeds United who they will face at Elland Road next weekend. But first they turn their attention back to Europe and an away trip to AEK Athens on Thursday night.