Aaron Ramsdale produced yet another inspiring performance as Arsenal registered three points against Leicester City.
Arsenal maintained their winning momentum and momentarily broke into the top six after securing a comfortable 2-0 victory over Leicester City on Saturday. It was a polished performance from the in-form Gunners, who simply dominated the early phase of the game. Despite playing at home, Leicester took their time settling in, which proved to be costly as Gabriel Magalhaes fired in the opener within five minutes.
Arsenal maintained their dominance throughout the most part of the first half, even doubling their lead through Emile Smith Rowe in the 18th minute. The goal gave the Gunners a sense of comfort as they went to half-time with a 2-0 advantage.
In the second half, Leicester City were the more dominant team as they pushed forward in search of a comeback. They created multiple scoring opportunities but were denied by Aaron Ramsdale time and time again. Their lack of productivity upfront proved costly as well, as players soon got tired, effectively diminishing the chances of a potential comeback.
Arsenal, too, deserve credit for their defensive work in the second half, with nearly all of their defenders producing top performances. And here, at The Hard Tackle, we will rate the Arsenal and Leicester City players in this riveting contest at the King Power Stadium.
Leicester City
Kasper Schmeichel: 6/10
Kasper Schmeichel looked wobbly during the initial stages of the game. Two early goals from Arsenal didn’t help his confidence either, although the LCFC goalkeeper did make a vital goalline clearance in the second half to deny Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Daniel Amartey: 5/10
It was a bad day at the office for Daniel Amartey. The defender looked troubled in dealing with the Arsenal threat during the early stages. He was often very passive with his pressure, allowing the opposition to score two early goals.
Jonny Evans: 5.5/10
Jonny Evans didn’t have a great game at the heart of the Leicester City backline. He was lucky to get away with a foul on Aubameyang in the second half. However, improved with time and remained solid after Arsenal’s early flurry.
Watched this quite a few times now, and still can’t understand why Jonny Evans wasn’t given a red card? #afc pic.twitter.com/3z3U1dgRNK
— Gilles ???? (@GrimandiTweetss) October 30, 2021
Caglar Soyuncu: 5/10
Caglar Soyuncu continued his poor form in the Leicester City defence, as he failed to offer any solidity at the back. He had problems dealing with the threat of Bukayo Saka at times, though he did improve as the game progressed.
Timothy Castagne: 5/10
Timothy Castagne was largely anonymous on the right hand side, struggling to offer any creativity going forward. He was overwhelmed by Nuno Tavares on multiple occasions as well.
Youri Tielemans: 7/10
Youri Tielemans had difficulties imposing his presence during the initial stages of the game. However, the Belgian’s aggression, coupled with his creative prowess, was essential in helping Leicester try to stage a late comeback.
Boubakary Soumare: 6/10
It was an odd game for Boubakary Soumare. The new signing from LOSC Lille recovered the ball well at times while also driving forward at every opportunity. But he lacked that solidity and understanding with Tielemans that had helped them dominate Man United not so long ago.
Luke Thomas: 5/10
Another Leicester City wing-back who struggled to influence the game, Luke Thomas, had a tough afternoon on the left flank. He didn’t provide enough defensive support to Soyuncu during Saka’s forays down the flank while failing to offer anything going forward either.
James Maddison: 6.5/10
James Maddison was the creator-in-chief for this Leicester City team that didn’t do well in the first half. He was more useful after the restart, producing some useful balls forward to find runners like Jamie Vardy.
Kelechi Iheanacho: 4/10
Brendan Rodgers’ decision to start Kelechi Iheanacho didn’t pay off as the former Man City striker struggled to make his presence felt on the proceedings.
Jamie Vardy: 5/10
Jamie Vardy had an anonymous game as well, failing to get involved during the first period. He was a bit more involved after the restart but was unable to trouble Ramsdale in the Arsenal goal.
Thomas Partey is having a party tonight not Jamie Vardy. #AFC
— Tommo (@Only1Tommo96) October 30, 2021
Substitutes
Harvey Barnes: 7.5/10
Harvey Barnes was by far Leicester City’s best performer after coming on at half-time. The explosive winger produced the flair and speed that the hosts were missing while creating numerous scoring opportunities.
Ademola Lookman: 6/10
Ademola Lookman wasn’t as effective as Barnes after replacing Iheanacho at half-time. One could argue Patson Daka could have been a more sensible option, instead.
Patson Daka: 5/10
Patson Daka wasn’t able to offer much in the final third, but he should have been introduced much earlier in the game.
Arsenal
Aaron Ramsdale: 9/10
Aaron Ramsdale registered three world-class saves this afternoon, including the one to deny James Maddison scoring from a free-kick in the first half. In the second half, he helped deny opportunities for both Vardy and Lookman, undisputedly becoming the star of the show for Arsenal.
Aaron Ramsdale that is insane! ?
How he kept out this James Maddison free-kick, we will not know! ?⛔️
Stunning! pic.twitter.com/4rzHEyjvIV
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 30, 2021
Takehiro Tomiyasu: 7/10
Takehiro Tomiyasu had an excellent first-half as he was barely tested by the marauding wing-back of Leicester. However, the introduction of Barnes in the second half saw the Japanese international being made to work for his clean sheet. He was undone a few times too, but the defender showed his fighting spirit and managed to keep up with the winger.
Ben White: 7.5/10
Ben White was another top performer for Arsenal in this brilliant win. He looked much more confident in one-on-one duels, which was a weakness heading into this game. He expertly used his skills to keep Vardy out of the game.
Gabriel Magalhaes: 8/10
If it wasn’t for Ramsdale and his saves, Gabriel Magalhaes would have easily become the man of the match candidate. Aside from scoring the early opener, the Brazilian was rock solid at the back. His leadership and experience were vital in shutting down the likes of Vardy and Iheanacho.
Nuno Tavares: 7.5/10
Nuno Tavares enjoyed an excellent start to the game as he stretched the Leicester defence using his pace and trickery. It was a vital aspect of Arsenal’s game, though after the restart, the young Portuguese full-back had to settle for a more defensive role.
Thomas Partey: 7.5/10
Thomas Partey expertly used his experience and game-reading ability to thwart the progress of both Tielemans and Soumare in the first half. His smart fouls and pressures were vital in helping his team keep a lid on the LCFC pressure, even in the second half.
Albert Sambi Lokonga: 7.5/10
Albert Sambi Lokonga offered the much-needed support to Partey at the base of the Arsenal midfield. He was always there to help out in the second line of press, often making smart fouls while his ball distribution was top-notch.
Bukayo Saka: 7.5/10
Bukayo Saka enjoyed a brilliant start to the game as he was involved heavily in the team’s attacking game. He registered the assist for Gabriel’s opener while playing a vital role in the lead up to the second goal as well. His influence faded as the game progressed, with the winger eventually making way for Nicolas Pepe late in the contest.
Alexandre Lacazette: 7/10
Alexandre Lacazette produced a good shift in his new role as a supporting striker. He was very useful in pressures, and his ability to hold up the play was useful in creating layovers in the final third. He had to be subbed off for Martin Odegaard in the second half as Mikel Arteta opted for a more traditional approach.
Emile Smith Rowe: 7.5/10
Emile Smith Rowe offered the spark and dynamism in the Arsenal attack, especially during the first period of the game. His mazy runs made it difficult for Leicester City defenders to get a grip on the game. The youngster also showcased a brilliant finish to score the second goal early on.
4 – Emile Smith Rowe has scored his fourth goal of the season in all competitions – all of which have come in his last seven appearances – and the same number as he managed in 33 games last season. Strides. pic.twitter.com/ZXL8gR8rJo
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 30, 2021
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 6/10
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang wasn’t as influential as some of his other teammates this afternoon. However, the Gabonese international did offer tactical versatility with his smart movements. He also improved his defensive work rate, which was refreshing to see and a testament to Arsenal’s improved gameplay under Arteta.
Substitutes
Martin Odegaard: 6/10
Martin Odegaard was unable to change the game much after coming on for Lacazette around the hour mark. Still a useful outlet in half-spaces, though.
Nicolas Pepe: N/A
A late replacement for Saka. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Sead Kolasinac: N/A
A late replacement for Saka. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Arsenal are now looking good now