Arsenal player ratings vs Leicester: Thomas Partey nets in 2-0 win

Arsenal moved back into the top four on Sunday as goals from Thomas Partey and Alexandre Lacazette secured a 2-0 win over Leicester in the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta went into this game aiming to secure a fifth consecutive league win for the second time in his managerial career, opting to field the same side that grabbed a 3-2 win over Watford last time out.

Emile Smith Rowe was back in the squad having recovered from Covid and assumed a place on the bench, with Takehiro Tomiyasu still not recovered from injury in time to join him.

That meant another place in the matchday squad for young defender Zak Swanson.

Arsenal player ratings vs Leicester as Gunners move into top four with goals from Thomas Partey & Lacazette sealing 2-0 win

Arsenal took the lead with 11 minutes on the clock when Gabriel Martinelli’s in-swinging corner was nodded home by Thomas Partey at the near post to net just his second goal in red and white.

The Ghanaian also struck the woodwork with a bending short shortly after, while it required a superb challenge from Benjamin White in the box to deny James Maddison what would have been a certain goal.

Arsenal got their second shortly before the hour mark after a bizarrely long VAR for what was a clear penalty eventually awarded the spot-kick for Soyuncu’s handball. Lacazette made no mistake from the spot to end his drought in front of goal.

From thereon in it was about conserving energy and keeping possession away from the Foxes, which Arsenal did well enough as they returned to fourth spot in the table ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Liverpool.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – 7/10 – Made a superb save from Soyuncu in the first half where he needed to show clever reflexes, and other than one moment where he pushed a ball straight back into danger he dealt with matters well.

Cedric Soares (RB) – 5/10 – Looking almost too energised, Cedric threw himself into situations too quickly, leaving spaces behind him and gaps between defenders. It was his flank where Leicester were finding joy.

Benjamin White (CB) – 8/10 – One magnificent tackle to deny Maddison in the first half was crucial for Arsenal to go into half-time still leading. Undeterred by Leicester using his side as a pressing trigger, he found Saka in behind with some clever passes.

Gabriel (CB) – 7/10 – In possession there was a big improvement from Gabriel, whose fizzed passes into feet were at their usual level. A solid outing for him, one he needed.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – 8/10 – It was roles reversed on Sunday as Tierney was given greater license to attack than his fellow full-back, and he got in behind Pereira on a few occasions. He cut inside well and kept possession ticking over, in what was a quietly complete performance from him.

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