3 standout players from Arsenal's 4-2 victory over Leicester

Arsenal were eventually made to work incredibly hard for all three points against Leicester on Saturday afternoon.

The humble Gunners sensed an early-season opportunity after Manchester City were held at St. James' Park in the lunchtime kick-off. A pair of first-half goals ensured Mikel Arteta's side were in a comfortable position at the interval against newly-promoted opposition, but a James Justin brace stunned the Emirates and forced the hosts to work hard again.

Arsenal were dominant, amassing a monster xG haul of 4.7 and only an outstanding performance from Mads Hermansen between Leicester posts denied the Gunners from entering cruise control in the second-half.

The Dane's persistent rebuttals seemed destined to frustrate the title favourites (don't shoot the messenger, that's what the bookies are saying), but Arsenal perservered and eventually their pressure told.

Here were the three standout performers from the Gunners' 4-2 victory over the Foxes.

1. Gabriel Martinelli

Martinelli entered the contest without a Premier League goal since March. Pressure has started to build on the Brazilian at the start of the new season, but his performances against Spurs and Man City were steps in the right direction.

However, a telling contribution in the final third continued to elude him.

While a fairly unrefined winger who's somewhat rustic in profile, Martinelli's Duracell bunny-like energy and irresistible turn of pace make him such a dangerous outlet down the left flank. He offers plenty outside of goalscoring, but he's ultimately going to be judged by numbers.

That's what will hopefully make his scruffy opener on Saturday an important one. Martinelli's 50th Premier League goal contribution wasn't among his cleanest, but the finish was pinpoint and rather impressive given his body position when attempting to convert Jurrien Timber's cross.

An assist for Trossard arrived before the end of the first-half, too, and we can only hope that his productive outing will inspire a Martinelli upsurge over the coming weeks.

2. Leandro Trossard

We say it ever so often, but what a piece of business this was! In an alternate world, Arteta is still trying to coach Mykhaylo Mudryk the fundamentals of wing play.

Trossard has proven his versatility since joining the club, and there was nothing one-dimensional about his role on Saturday. The Belgian was seemingly in a constant state of flux, picking up positions across the width of the pitch.

He rotated effectively with Martinelli and Kai Havertz, and was twice in the right place at the right time to help Arsenal to victory. Trossard's second strike and the Gunners' crucial third will be recorded as a Wilfred Ndidi own goal, however.

3. Riccardo Calafiori

There were several performances worthy of a mention. Bukayo Saka produced his best display of the season and continued his assist streak at the death, Jurrien Timber offered plenty down the right, while starlet Ethan Nwaneri showed why supporters are desperate to see him given more of a go in Martin Odegaard's absence.

However, I was hugely impressed by Calafiori in an all-encompassing role. There wasn't a blade of grass the Italian didn't grace with those Adidas Predators, nor a zone of the pitch he didn't receive possession in. Calafiori was everywhere.

There was a tempo upsurge every time the summer arrival was involved, and the swagger he carries around the turf is infectious. He's a player who's well aware of his gift, and his exuberance has already made him a fan favourite. He's just a bundle of fun: Arsenal's answer to Josko Gvardiol.

The left-hand side can consider itself unlocked with Calafiori marauding up, down, through, and around that flank.

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