Leicester vs Arsenal: 4 talking points from vital 2-0 win

Arsenal's Brazilian defender Gabriel celebrates with team mates after he scores his team's opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Leicester City and Arsenal at King Power Stadium in Leicester, central England on October 30, 2021. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

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LEICESTER, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 30: Mikel Arteta the manager / head coach of Arsenal at full time of the Premier League match between Leicester City and Arsenal at The King Power Stadium on October 30, 2021 in Leicester, England. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images) /

3. Arteta Has Found His Perfect Arsenal Formula

Everything finally seems to be clicking for Arteta. He has found the best way to get his players going: high pressing, crisp and clean centrality, defensive shape, and most of all, playing with absolute confidence.

All were on show against Leicester as Arsenal flew out of the gates. The home side was powerless to stop them in the first 20 minutes. Consistent harassing, fluid ball movement, a well coordinated full team press, and a willingness to get in the faces of the Leicester players saw the home side wilt under their pressure.

In the first half Arteta got everything right: his formation, team selection, and game management, it was spot on. With this group of players he’s taking big strides.

The second half not so much. There were issues with how deep the team sat off as the Foxes’ waves of attacks came flying forward, a move that was rectified by the substitution of Martin Odegaard which gave Arsenal more control and calmness in the middle of the pitch.

With Arsenal overrun by a rampant Leicester side, however, the defense held strong to produce a memorable win which remarkably lifts them to joint fifth in the Premier League table, something that seemed unthinkable just weeks ago.

Who’d have thought 4-4-2 would be making such a comeback? It’s working.

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