Arsenal player ratings vs Leicester: Pepe and Willian star in comeback win

Goals from David Luiz, Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe saw Arsenal come from behind to beat Leicester 3-1 in the Premier League on Sunday. Here are the player ratings.

This match started like so many others: Arsenal down early and praying for a comeback. And for the first 25 minutes, it looked like so many games we’ve played this season: another incumbent 1-0 loss.

A poor turnover and even worse defending had me rubbing my head and bemoaning individual errors, a trend that’s starting to score itself into the hearts of most Arsenal fans.

Thankfully, I think some of our comeback mojo rubbed off on this side from Benfica at the midweek. All we needed was a single goal to ignite some momentum, and Luiz provided that with a lovely stooping header off a disguised delivery from Willian.

Arsenal player ratings vs Leicester: Nicolas Pepe and Willian star in comeback Premier League win

And Arsenal looked nothing short of rampaging from there, scoring two more in quick succession, albeit split by halftime.

The second half developed a more recognizable pattern after Pepe’s goal, as Arsenal looked to protect their lead, and Leicester looked to claw one back. An ugly injury to Harvey Barnes and the introduction of Thomas Partey locked the game at it’s 3-1 scoreline, although the introduction of Aubameyang did threaten that parity. Things you love to see.

Arsenal Goalkeeper & Defenders Ratings

GK: Bernd Leno – 6.0

Nothing he could do about the Tielemans goal, which was unfortunately reminiscent of the ‘Leno Island’ days of the Unai Emery reign. He really is a cool cucumber on the ball these days, although sometimes a bit too much for my liking. Did all the easy things right, and was relatively untroubled throughout.

RB: Cedric Soares – 6.9

Leicester were so right-side dominant that he wasn’t often called upon defensively, but did a great job dealing with the Foxes’ high press. Had a number of lovely dribbles. Really developing a good partnership with Pepe, which is lovely to see.

CB: David Luiz – 6.0

Hit a few too many aimless balls for my liking. Grew into the game along with the team, and was the better of the two centre-backs. Never looked fully secure marking Jamie Vardy, but then, who would be. Absolutely lovely header to draw level.

CB: Pablo Mari – 5.5

Almost completely at fault for the early goal. The turnover was poor, but backing off there is unacceptable. Looked relatively comfortable for the rest of the first half, and his lack of pace wasn’t particularly exposed. Progressed the ball quite well throughout, and had a couple of key blocks too. His rating would be much higher if not for the early lapse of judgement.

LB: Kieran Tierney – 6.0

Looked like more of a left winger than Willian. The true danger man for most of the first half, as he so often is, but he did well to nullify the threat of Ricardo Pereira as well. It’s funny, I’m almost becoming numb to his brilliance because he just does it every game, regardless of the opponent. Unsurprisingly, very solid today, albeit with very little end product.

Arsenal Midfielders Ratings

RCM: Mohamed Elneny – 6.0

It’s clear he’s in the side mostly to protect Xhaka. To his credit, he grew into the game as the Gunners looked to pull apart Leicester, as he was often the only player making central runs. His defensive acumen came to the fore as well, as he scooped up a number of balls to the center throughout the game. Really frustrated the Foxes.

LCM: Granit Xhaka – 6.8

Really starting to dictate possession, calling for runs and orchestrating play. An unfortunate turnover off a double-team lead to the first goal, but grew beyond it. A classic Xhaka game, if there is such a thing. Passed well, ran hard, communicated constantly, and didn’t get beat on too many one-on-one sprints. All you can ask for.

AM: Emile Smith Rowe – 5.5

Made a number of lovely, vertical runs, which were the only real bright spot in the opening few minutes. Very sharp on the ball as well, just not enough touches for my liking. Really sad to see him go off early, as I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him these past few matches.

Arsenal Forwards Ratings

RW: Nicolas Pepe – 8.5

Man of the Match. He’s getting scrappier, and did well to capitalize on a poor spell of play from Leicester, before his penalty shout was overturned by VAR. Battled hard with Luke Thomas throughout the first half. Should have done better off a lovely Tierney cut-back. Drew a number of key fouls. His extended spell on the bench seems to have ignited his hunger a bit, and he fed himself a goal to boot.

LW: Willian – 8.2

Didn’t run nearly enough early on, which forced Alexandre Lacazette to drop deeper and hunt the ball. That being said, his passing was crisp, as was his dribbling, and he looked sharp throughout. Couldn’t seem to hit the target, with shots or set-pieces, until he scooped a lovely free kick onto the head of David Luiz. Brilliant assist for Pepe as well. His best game in an Arsenal shirt, and it’s not even close.

ST: Alexandre Lacazette – 7.0

The armband suits him. Worked his tail off, as he always does. His pressuring really put the Leicester backline under the cosh; we were able to suffocate the Foxes in their own half for the most part. The penalty was ice-cold, and you just can’t write the passion on his face. Frustrated the daylights out of both Leicester centre-backs to boot.

Arsenal Substitutes & Manager Ratings

Mikel Arteta – 8.0

Learned his lesson from the Foxes’ visit to the Emirates. Really frustrated and nullified Brendan Rogers’ tactics, which is no mean feat. Made a few bold choices with the selection today, and they all paid off. That being said, I’d love to see more of Martinelli and Reiss Nelson, although the latter did play with the U-23’s yesterday. Credit for ignoring the allure of Saka off the bench as well.

Martin Ødegaard – 6.7

Picked up right where Smith Rowe left off, although was noticeably more vocal than the Croydon De Bruyne. Played a rather stunning ball into the feet of Willian to set up Pepe’s goal. His foot skills are magical as well. I’m trying very hard not to fall in love with him, and failing pretty miserably.

Thomas Partey – 5.5

No surprises here, and it was lovely to see the Ghanaian continue to build up his match fitness, although I was glad not to see him start. Solid showing, nothing special.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – N/A

Not enough time to make a real impression, although he almost claimed a lovely goal.