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Arsenal’s Best Time To Face Leicester City Is Now

By Finn Laister-Smith

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Arsenal have a huge match against Tottenham in the League Cup, and it comes at the worst possible time. A defeat in the Champions League last week to Dinamo Zagreb raised various serious questions concerning the strength of this Arsenal team.

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Those questions made it so that Arsenal had a point to prove going into a heated fixture with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. They played well for the first forty minutes. The game was in the balance before Gabriel Paulista got himself sent off, which sent the boys from North London tumbling into defeat.

Their next game in the Premier League is away at in-form Leicester City. The Foxes do not look like their run is skidding to a halt just yet. Undefeated in their first six, Leicester defeated West Ham on Monday in their League Cup match on Monday. That gives them two more days to prepare for the Gunners fixture.

Riyad Mahrez, Nathan Dyer and Jamie Vardy look blazing on the counter. Their midfield has a physicality that has overwhelmed teams so far. Claudio Ranieri has extended Nigel Pearson’s unbeaten run through this campaign and has looked tactically adept against Premier League opponents.

However dangerous Leicester may be, Arsenal could get back on track quickly against The Foxes, regardless of the Tottenham fixture.

Leicester have not played Arsenal in a while, but they have conceded five in their last three games, against average opposing attacks. Neither Stoke City or Aston Villa have not scored two goals in more than one game so far. Arsenal’s attack could use a defense of that standard at the moment.

The Gunners have been creating chances on a regular basis this season but have not managed to finish many of them. Dinamo Zagreb defended well and they stymied themselves against Chelsea, so a leaky back line could be of aid for players who need to return to form.

Santi Cazorla has not been at the races just yet, but he will be suspended for the Leicester match after his dismissal at Stamford Bridge. The more important concerns are surrounding Alexis Sanchez, who looks worn out after playing extended minutes with Chile at the Copa America. Arsenal’s star left winger has not scored yet and if he does not kick into gear soon Arsenal could be shooting blanks for a long time.

Leicester City has a left back who loves to get forward in Jeffrey Schlupp, and if he is tackled while upfield Arsenal could create counter attacking opportunities on their attacking right flank. Ritchie De Laet and Riyad Mahrez are quite a battle for Gibbs and Sanchez on the opposite side, and that could be a key match-up in which wing pairing can make a bigger impact.

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Arsenal’s third player who could really use a boost in form is Theo Walcott. A start for the Englishman might be a more effective game plan than using Olivier Giroud, who does not have the physical ability to outmuscle Robert Huth and Wes Morgan. Morgan and Huth are extremely strong as a duo but they do not have the legs to cope with the devastating speed of Walcott.

The problem with Walcott is not off the ball, it’s completely in his finish. The 26-year-old has been played through multiple times by his team mates and yet failed to convert when through on goal. He might get another game full of opportunities if players like Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil provide him with adequate support.

The Tottenham result might have an effect on the players after the fact, but there will be a different attitude against Leicester after a huge derby. If The Gunners take a loss at White Hart Lane it will be a crucial victory at the King Power Stadium if they get it. The season ahead could be full of twists and turns but a huge drop in momentum could be avoided with a win against The Foxes. It is crucial for The Gunners’ confidence.

Next: Gedion Zelalem Could Be Ready To Join Arsenal Next Year

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