A late Jamie Vardy goal cancelled out Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s first-half strike as Leicester City held ten-man Arsenal to a 1-1 draw on Tuesday.
While Leicester City started the game strongly, it was Arsenal who took the lead at the Emirates, as captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang applied the finishing touches to a fine move, which culminated with Bukayo Saka laying it on the plate for him.
Arsenal were pretty much in control from then on, although goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez had to make a few important saves to keep the scoreline intact. However, substitute Eddie Nketiah’s sending off in the 75th minute reduced the Gunners to ten men, and Leicester, making the most of their numerical advantage, turned on the pressure.
Eventually, the Foxes were able to find a way through, with Jamie Vardy bundling home a Demarai Gray cross to level things up in the 84th minute.
A frustrating draw at Emirates Stadium.
? 1-1 ? (FT)#ARSLEI
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 7, 2020
The result meant Arsenal remain seventh in the table, two points off of Wolves in sixth. And here’s how we rated the performances of the Gunners’ stars on the night.
Emiliano Martinez: 7.5/10
Another game, another clutch performance from the stand-in goalkeeper, who has made the most of his chances in Bernd Leno’s absence. Denied Vardy and Kelechi Iheanacho in the first period with important saves before stopping the latter once again after the break to keep Arsenal’s noses in front. Couldn’t do much to keep out Vardy’s late leveler. Looked assured within the six-yard box.
Shkodran Mustafi: 7/10
Another solid display from the German international, who clearly has become a key cog under Mikel Arteta. Always on the lookout to release Saka with passes between Leicester’s left-back and centre-back, while defensively dealing with the threat of Vardy. Won four aerial duels and completed three successful tackles. Did get caught out for the equaliser, however. Booked.
David Luiz: 6.5/10
Looks so much more assured and comfortable when playing as part of a three-man backline. Had an iffy moment early on, from which Vardy threatened but was bailed out by Martinez. Looked pretty solid from thereon, with a block on Wilfred Ndidi’s effort particularly standing out. Forced a save from Kasper Schmeichel from a free-kick in the second half.
Sead Kolasinac: 6/10
Aggressive in his defending, the Bosnian often looked to press up and win the ball before it entered the defensive third and did that well, especially for most of the first period. Perhaps, he was lucky to have been adjudged that he was fouled in the lead-up to a goal from Iheanacho, which was ruled out. Finished the game with four successful aerial duels and three interceptions.
Hector Bellerin: 6.5/10
Back into the starting XI replacing Cedric Soares, the Spaniard offered good energy down the right flank. Linked up well with Saka, but the standout moment was his lovely floated cross to Alexandre Lacazette, who couldn’t make the most of it. Was more restrained after the half-time break.
Dani Ceballos: 8/10
Dani Ceballos’ first half vs. Leicester City by numbers:
82% pass accuracy
8 ball recoveries
3/5 long passes
2/2 take-ons
1 through ball
1 tackle wonPlayed a key part in the goal too. ? pic.twitter.com/A4hrijRAe3
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) July 7, 2020
The Spaniard showed his excellent vision to find Saka with an exquisite pass in the lead-up to Arsenal’s goal in the first period. Ceballos had the most touches by any Arsenal player (71) on the night.
Kept the team ticking in the middle, while he also contributed defensively, especially in the latter stages, when Leicester amped up the pressure. Ceballos also ended the game with three interceptions, two key passes and two dribbles.
Granit Xhaka: 6/10
Solid, if not spectacular for most parts of the game. The Switzerland international helped Arsenal control the game when in possession while adding defensive solidity when without the ball. There were occasions when Leicester bypassed him with ease, though, as he looked leggy. And perhaps, he could have done better to prevent the cross for the equaliser.
Kieran Tierney: 7/10
Another strong and committed display from the Scotsman, who keeps growing in stature with each passing game. Did well to get into dangerous positions in the final third while having to deal with James Justin. Delivered some enticing crosses into the box, which caused the visitors some problems. Had a venomous long-range effort saved in the first period.
Bukayo Saka: 8/10
Bukayo Saka’s game by numbers vs. Leicester City:
87% pass accuracy
3 chances created
3 ball recoveries
2 fouls won
1 assistAnother performance beyond his years. ? pic.twitter.com/zZtfcg80fa
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) July 7, 2020
Another bright outing for the teenage sensation, who was involved in almost every attacking move that Arsenal conjured up in the first half. Saka did brilliantly to get past Jonny Evans and set Aubameyang up for the opening goal before creating another chance for Lacazette. Had a chance to score, but fired his effort straight at Schmeichel. Grew tired with time and was taken off.
Alexandre Lacazette: 6/10
Starting ahead of Nketiah after his goal-scoring cameo against Wolves, the Frenchman showed bits of good link-up play in the final third, but lacked the clinical edge on the night. Drew a couple of saves from Schmeichel, but should have scored from Bellerin’s cross late in the first half. Did have the ball in the back of the net in the second period, but that was chalked off for offside.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 7/10
Got into the right place at the right time to tuck home Saka’s pass for Arsenal’s only goal of the game. With that strike, he became only the second Arsenal player to score 20 goals in back-to-back Premier League seasons. Created a chance for Saka, which the youngster failed to take. Worked hard, but his influence waned in the second half.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s league goal returns in the last five seasons:
15/16 – 25
16/17 – 31
17/18 – 23
18/19 – 22
19/20 – 20One of the most reliable goal scorers in the world. ? pic.twitter.com/r6Zqfd6ic1
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) July 7, 2020
Substitutes
Joe Willock: 5/10
Came on for Saka for the final twenty minutes. Couldn’t make the same impact he did in his last couple of matches.
Eddie Nketiah: N/A
Came on for Lacazette in the 71st minute. Lasted less than five minutes on the pitch as he was sent off for a rash challenge on James Justin.
Eddie Nketiah’s game by numbers vs. Leicester City:
4 minutes played
1 foul committed
1 red card
0 touchesCameo. ?♂️ pic.twitter.com/s8WMd8ntlS
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) July 7, 2020
Lucas Torreira: N/A
On for Ceballos for the last ten minutes.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles: N/A
Stoppage time substitute for Aubameyang.
