It wasn’t all sunshine and roses for Arsenal but a lethal performance at the top end of the pitch saw them to victory over Leicester on Saturday.
Intense heat made for a sweltering spectacle at the Emirates as two goals from Gabriel Jesus and strikes from Gabriel Martinelli and Granit Xhaka ultimately ensured it was a second win on the bounce for Mikel Arteta’s men.
The hosts didn’t have it all their own way, however, with a William Saliba own goal and a low strike from James Maddison giving Leicester hope, albeit short-lived.
The Gunners took their time growing into the game as the mercury hit 34 degrees in north London but, when they eventually moved ahead mid-way through the first half, they really did take over.
It was pleasing to see the Gunners cutting swathes through a tidy and technical Leicester side and the only negative from the first half was that they only managed to score twice, the second coming courtesy of a finish at the back post from Jesus.
The visitors offered precious little after a resolute opening quarter but a penalty awarded to Jamie Vardy (which was eventually overturned, and rightly so) served as a reminder of their danger, particularly on the break.
The Foxes reorganised at the break and looked to get on the front foot in the second period. Although it would be unfair to say they had a sustained foothold in the game, they did look dangerous on the break and some long diagonals also caused the back four problems.
It was just such a long ball that forced Saliba into committing to a header that dribbled past Aaron Ramsdale and into the goal. In fairness, with Vardy lurking, the young Frenchman had little choice but to commit.
Thankfully the Gunners hit back quickly through Xhaka but failed to put the game to bed as a string of chances fell their way in the minutes after. Their profligacy looked like it might prove costly as James Maddison squeezed a shot through Ramsdale’s legs to make it 3-2 heading into the final quarter but, again, the Gunners responded quickly and, on this occasion decisively, as Martinelli bagged the goal his all round play deserved.
Leicester didn’t stop trying and remained dangerous into the final stages of the game but they couldn’t produce the quality to make further inroads. Arsenal meanwhile, will rue chances of their own to put the contest to bed.
All said and done, it’s never a bad thing to score four goals, especially against a side of Leicester’s quality. The conditions could have made it really difficult to chase the game but Arsenal managed them well and came out with the three points.
Jesus shone on his home debut, registering two goals and two assists, while Martinelli scored his second in as many games. It’s looking like it could be a breakout campaign for the young Brazilian.
There is plenty to be happy about as an Arsenal fan tonight but plenty still to ponder too. This was a good win in front of a boisterous home crowd but there were also things the Gunners can do to improve still further. Goals will ultimately win us games but clean sheets are important too.
Onwards now to Fulham and, hopefully, a chance to make it three wins on the spin!
Blog on You Gunners 