Arsenal vs Leicester: 3 important players for crucial clash

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 11: Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal celebrates with teammates Ben White and Granit Xhaka after scoring their side's third goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on December 11, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 11: Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal celebrates with teammates Ben White and Granit Xhaka after scoring their side's third goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on December 11, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, TP
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 19: Thomas Partey of Arsenal is put under pressure by Mathias Jensen of Brentford during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Brentford at Emirates Stadium on February 19, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

2. Thomas Partey

Further back in the midfield is Arsenal’s star signing from a couple of years ago, and after a couple of years, he’s finally finding his level.

Since the game against Manchester City where the Gunners fell to a 2-1 defeat, Partey has hit the levels expected of him when he made his move from Atletico Madrid.

Playing the single pivot role to perfection, he has excelled in receiving the ball from the back four. He has shown his impressive passing range, getting the ball quickly to the front players, and with the options either side of him he bring a newfound balance to Arsenal’s attacking patterns. The left side bias is a thing of the past.

On Sunday his press-resistance will be incredibly important, as will his defensive awareness. Leicester City’s midfield is one that is dynamic, mobile and that excels in getting forward and interchanging quickly.

Man City’s midfield, albeit at another level completely, had similar qualities and difficulties. Partey held them at arm’s length and he will have to do the same against Leicester.

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