Leicester 0-2 Arsenal: Player ratings as Merino brace seals Gunners victory

Mikel Merino scored twice off the bench to help Arsenal to a 2-0 victory at Leicester on Saturday afternoon.

Mikel Arteta lined up as expected in the midst of an attacking injury crisis, with Leandro Trossard taking the mantle on up top while Ethan Nwaneri and Raheem Sterling operated on either side. 17-year-old Nwaneri seemed keen on closing the gap to league leaders Liverpool to four points, but the rest of his teammates succumbed to the dreariness of a 12:30 kick-off in the opening period.

Simply put, it was easy for Leicester. The Foxes barely had to exert themselves to keep a flat and sloppy Gunners at bay. Mads Hermansen, who made 13 saves at the Emirates back in September, wasn't tested once in the first half, and Wilfred Ndidi came closest to breaking the deadlock with a header just before the interval.

There were no changes at the interval and the contest started to finally open up on the hour after Nwaneri kissed the crossbar with a wicked curling effort. Leicester maintained a threat to keep the Gunners in check, but Arsenal doubtlessly looked the more likely with Nwaneri weaving his magic wand.

Ultimately, it was a moment from the teenager who proved the difference. His pinpoint delivery from the right gave makeshift centre-forward Mikel Merino no choice but to head home the opener with ten minutes remaining. The Marouane Fellaini regen was at it again a few minutes later, tapping home Leandro Trossard's cross to double Arsenal's lead and confirm their victory.

Leicester 0-2 Arsenal player ratings

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - 6/10 - Forced into a comfortable save by Ndidi in the opening exchanges before enjoying a quiet outing. Not too much to comment on, in truth.

Jurrien Timber (RB) - 6/10 - Jordan Ayew made life tough for the Dutchman by virtue of his ability to shield possession and win fouls. Offered some thrust going forward.

William Saliba (CB) - 7/10 - Jamie Vardy is a canny operator, and Saliba didn't have it all his own way up against the veteran. However, the Frenchman did ensure the opportunistic forward didn't have a sniff in front of goal.

Gabriel (CB) - 7.5/10 - Looked good on the ball and was dominant aerially. Such performances are churned out by Gabriel almost every week.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (LB) - 6.5/10 - Rolled his man adeptly on a couple of occasions but wasn't overly influential on the ball. Made a crucial intervention at the back post to deny Bobby De Cordova Reid a certain goal.

Continued on the next slide...