Premier League: Arsenal Reclaims Fourth Spot After Leicester Victory
Arsenal reclaimed fourth spot on the Premier League table after a 2-0 victory against Leicester City, courtesy of goals from Ghanaian international Thomas Partey and Alexandre Lacazette at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners started with a familiar front-three of Lacazette, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. The Foxes had Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho in attack, supported by Harvey Barnes and Marc Albrighton. Nigerian international Wilfred Ndidi was on the bench for Leicester.
Martinelli’s corner kick was headed in by the unmarked Partey in the 11th minute, as the Gunners took the lead after a dominant opening display.
Arsenal continued to press and Partey went close to doubling the lead when he hit the crossbar. The visitors looked to find a way back into the match and Barnes came close before Ben White made an important tackle on James Maddison.
Moments later, Aaron Ramsdale’s superb save from Barnes that kept Arsenal ahead at the break.
In the second half, Partey seemed to head the ball into the Leicester’s net, but defender Soyuncu intercepted. However, referee Anthony Taylor was told by VAR to check the monitor as Partey’s header touched Soyuncu’s fingertips.
As contact was clear in the replays, the referee pointed to the penalty spot after the VAR review and Soyuncu was shown a yellow card.
Arsenal captain Lacazette stepped up and brilliantly fired the ball past goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.
The Gunners were able to see out the game as they defended well to claim another clean sheet for the season. The victory lifts Arsenal back above Manchester United into fourth, one point ahead of them with three games in hand.
Meanwhile, Leicester remain in 12th on the Premier League table. Arsenal have now won five consecutive Premier League games.
“They (Leicester) are a really good side and we had to raise the level that we showed against Watford and we have certainly did that today in every aspect of the game, I think,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said after the match.
“It was a big result for us. We are in a very good position but there is still a lot to fight for. Now it is Liverpool, we know how tough it will be and we will have to prepare the game to win it.”
Arsenal will face Liverpool in what would be a thrilling encounter at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League on Wednesday. Leicester will return to Europa Conference League action when they take on Rennes in their second leg tie on Thursday.
Premier League results
Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle
Everton 0-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Leeds United 2-1 Norwich City
Southampton 1-2 Watford
West Ham 2-1 Aston Villa
Arsenal 2-0 Leicester City
Chidi Nwoke/Premier League.
