Arsenal: 3 huge positives from Leicester disappointment

1 of 3

LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 07: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Leicester City at Emirates Stadium on July 07, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

Arsenal disappointingly drew 1-1 with Leicester City on Tuesday night. Despite the result, however, here are three huge positives to draw.

It was a frustrating end to what was a largely very encouraging match. Jamie Vardy’s late equaliser left a sour taste in the mouth, pegging back Arsenal in a 1-1 draw with Leicester City on Tuesday night. But before Eddie Nketiah’s sending off and Leicester’s late dominance, there was plenty to like about the Gunners’ performance, even if the result takes away from it.

So, in the spirit of being positive, here are three huge plus points from the 1-1 draw.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 07: Dani Ceballos of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Leicester City at Emirates Stadium on July 07, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

3. Dani Ceballos can be midfield solution

Throughout his time as Arsenal head coach, Mikel Arteta has been searching for a solution to his central midfield. What has become painfully obvious is that the current players at his disposal simply lack the requisite quality to perform at the level he needs. Granit Xhaka may be integral, but he is limited. Matteo Guendouzi is seemingly on his way out of the club. Lucas Torreira has been injured. But perhaps Dani Ceballos can yet be a long-term answer at the position.

On loan from Real Madrid, Ceballos has been inconsistent in his first season at Arsenal. For that very reason, questions were asked as to whether the club should pursue a permanent deal in the summer. However, as his recent performances have proven, his high-end potential is tantalising and Arteta seems to know how to get the best out of him. In his post-match press conference, Arteta praised Ceballos’ performance:

"“He was superb again <…> Defensively, Dani has made a big step forward with the way he is pressing, the amount of interceptions that he is putting in and he is enjoying it <…> I am really happy with him, I think it is something that the club has to go a little bit further with Real Madrid on. At the moment he is playing very well, I am really happy with him and he is a big talent.”"

Arteta made reference to the decision Arsenal must now make, but Ceballos is doing all he can to prove his worth.

Home/Arsenal News