Taming old foe key to Arsenal's success against Leicester

In the summer of 2016, Jamie Vardy completed the ultimate footballing ascent. The former non-league hopeful had just inspired the most unlikely of Premier League triumphs. A European Championship campaign with his country beckoned.

The relentless Red Bull guzzling phenomenon was no longer a parody act, but a bona fide star. Arsene Wenger thought he'd look great in red and white. "I offered him a lot of money at the time," the longtime Arsenal boss commented in 2021.

With the Gunners closing in, speculation arose regarding Vardy's potential fit in Wenger's patient, possession-based framework, but not a single doubt arose in the Frenchman's mind. "He is always in the game," Wenger added. "He doesn't look like he mentally gets out of the game and the great strikers are like that. It means he will score at some stage. Even when he misses a chance he stays in the game."

Ultimately, though, Vardy opted for loyalty. A contract extension with the champions was signed, and the Englishman has remained at the King Power since. Once he calls it a career, Vardy will be remembered not only as a cult hero for the masses, but as one of the Premier League's greatest strikers.

And Arsenal have paid for Vardy's decision to remain in the East Midlands all those years ago.

Taming Jamie Vardy has been key to Arsenal's recent success against Leicester

In seven games between August 2017 and October 2020, Vardy scored eight times against the Gunners. In fact, only Harry Kane and Wayne Rooney have netted more against the north Londoners in Premier League history. Vardy's scored 11 overall, but his last arrived well over four years ago.

The Englishman used to prey on the vulnerable, error-laden defences marshalled by three different managers. Wenger, Unai Emery, and Mikel Arteta have all felt the predatory forward's wrath.

Vardy in his pomp operated like the most opportunistic of killers, perpetually on the prowl for the next defensive mishap. His last goal against Arsenal arrived in front of an empty Emirates, heading home Cengiz Under's cross from close range after Youri Tielemans split a horribly organised Gunners defence with a long ball in behind.

Gabriel was in Arteta's starting XI that October evening, allowing too much space for Under to tee up Vardy. However, since the Brazilian, who was partnered by Rob Holding on that occasion, broke bread and teamed up with William Saliba, Vardy has had close to no joy in this fixture. The 38-year-old was once one of the Gunners' primary tormentors, but Saliba and Gabriel have helped keep the veteran in check. He hasn't scored in five outings and was kept at bay by David Luiz and Pablo Mari during a 3-1 win for Arsenal back in early 2021.

The striker is, of course, not the pesky force he once was, but he can still hang with the kids at the highest level. Vardy cannot be relied upon to run himself ragged and torture defenders in the channels for 90 minutes every week, but the veteran has shown a cannier side to his game which has helped him to seven Premier League goals this season - a healthy return given Leicester's struggles.

He's been lauded as "remarkable" by manager Ruud van Nistelrooy and looks set to start on Saturday despite a minor injury concern. With Arsenal short up top, it may only require a vintage Vardy moment to damage the Gunners' title hopes further.

Gooners can take solace in knowing that the Saliba/Gabriel axis will be operating in a bid to shun a former antagonist, but all the 38-year-old needs is a sniff.

Oh, and if you're wondering, Wenger thought the best Vardy alternative in 2016 was Lucas Perez. Sleep well.

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