Arsenal left it late to secure all three points but who cares. Danny Welbeck on his return from injury headed home from an Ӧzil free kick to take all three points. However, that was not the whole story of the match.
Leicester were awarded a penalty late in the first half to put them in the lead however, the decision was controversial after it look like Vardy may have created the foul. Simpson was then dismissed for two yellow cards in the 54 minute. Walcott equalised and then Welbeck won it when it looked like more points would be dropped.
Cech – 8 - An incredible save in the first half from Vardy to keep the game level. Dealt with everything comfortably and will be important in the next run of games.
Bellerin – 7 – A good game by Bellerin who defended well and looked a threat all match.
Mertesacker – 7 – Dealt with the threat of Vardy well and defended well. Should have scored around the 85th minute.
Koscielny – 7 – Had a good game and looked like he would be important throughout the game. However, picked up an injury which meant he got substituted at half time. Sky Sports confirmed this was due to a dead leg.
Monreal – 7 – Looked dangerous all the time down the left and went forward to good effect when Arsenal were trying to win the game. Conceded the penalty but was unlucky in the decision.
Coquelin – 7 – Good to see his return and played well in the middle of the park. Was sacrificed when Leicester went down to ten men.
Ramsey - 7 –Played well but missed a few chances in the last 20 minutes. Needs to start finding the net again.
Oxlade – Chamberlain – 8 – Massively impressed with the Ox. He looked a different player today always driving at the full back and put some wonderful balls in from open play and set pieces.
Ӧzil – 7 – Wasn’t at his best today but delivered the all-important cross for the winner.
Sanchez – 7 – Another player who wasn’t at his best and missed a few chances. However, he kept working hard and trying which all you can ever expect from a player.
Giroud – 8 – Didn’t get on the score sheet but was up for the fight today. Got the assist for the Walcott equaliser and looked a threat all game.
Subs
Chambers – 7 – Came on for the injured Koscielny at half time and played well. Mopped up the balls at the back and tried to make positive passes.
Walcott – 8 –Changed the game when coming on in the 61st minute. He took his goal really well and looked a threat down the right hand side. Beat his man on most occasions
Welbeck – 9 – The goal he scored may turn out to be massive. It was nice to see Welbeck back in action and he did look dangerous.
Overall, the three points is all what matters in these situations. Arsenal often get criticised for being bottlers but let’s not forget this match. When the penalty was given Arsenal could have buckled with the pressure but they didn’t instead they carried on until the final kick of the match.
