Arsenal: 4 talking points from magnificent comeback win over Leicester

Arsenal came from behind to beat Leicester 3-1 on Sunday, with Nicolas Pepe being in inspired form for Mikel Arteta’s side on a memorable afternoon in the midlands. Here are the talking points.

Given their excursions in midweek, Mikel Arteta made six changes to his starting lineup from the dramatic 3-2 win over Benfica in Athens, leaving Bukayo Saka, Hector Bellerin and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out of the team for some much needed rest.

The team selection hardly inspired and merely added to already present nerves, but 97 minutes later all was forgotten about at the King Power Stadium.

Some collectively woeful Arsenal defending gifted Youri Tielemans the opening goal after just six minutes. Mistakes in midfield followed through into defence, opening the space for the Belgian to fire low past Bernd Leno.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• Mikel Arteta provides Gabriel Martinelli injury update after Everton win

Leicester vs Arsenal: 4 talking points from superb comeback victory in the Premier League

Arsenal rallied after their characteristic mishap, believing they were to get the chance to level from the spot after Nicolas Pepe was felled, only for VAR to correctly rule the initial foul to have been outside the area.

They did draw level five minutes from the break in unusual fashion, as a well-worked free-kick routine finished with David Luiz angling a header beyond Kasper Schmeichel. Then on the stroke of half-time, Alexandre Lacazette made no mistake from the spot after a clear handball in the 18-yard box from Wilfred Ndidi.

A strong second half showing to match the first 45 minutes followed, with the points all-but wrapped up seven minutes after the restart when Pepe tapped home from a flowing Arsenal move.

Seeing the game out strongly and without much rebuttal, victory was clinched for just the second Premier League win in six matches moving the Gunners up to 37 points from 26 matches.

Same Issues Rear Their Ugly Heads

Five minutes on the clock at the King Power Stadium and it felt like deja vu. A similar scenario that has plagued this team even beyond the current campaign. Arsenal always find a way to out-Arsenal themselves.

An error from Granit Xhaka progressed its way towards goal as Mohamed Elneny opted against shifting across, a sentiment echoed by Pablo Mari who looked like the was running for the corner flag for whatever inexplicable reason.

It was collectively poor, but none of that matters. Instead, it was another prime example of unavoidable errors creeping into performances at the wrong moments. Giving yourself a handicap and offering the opposition a lifeline for no reason other than carelessness.

Building up a head of steam from that point and totally dominating the match, every sign pointed towards a repeat of previous performances: control, probing, chances going begging…defeat.

What Arsenal did was capitalise on their command of the game. It came via a set-piece and penalty in that half, but it was nonetheless a banishment of the failings that have held this side back for large periods of the season.

Come the final whistle, victory is all that matters. However, against less injury-ravaged sides who don’t have as clear off-days, they may not be granted such liberties. These mistakes must be eradicated in the quest for resurgence. Starting now.