Arsenal 4 – 2 Leicester | 8 Observations: Martinelli is Buzzing, Beasts on the Flanks, Trossard the Fox among Foxes

Having first listened to the whole game and then watched it for the first time this morning, I have thoroughly enjoyed Arsenal’s contest with the Foxes, and I am glad that the boys were re-taught a lesson without having to pay for it. The excellent Arsenal.com radio commentary pictured for me a first half in which we totally dominated, and there was even a suggestion that, the way things were going, Arteta could give the youngsters some time in the second half. Getting that second goal in extra time created a real feeling that the game was in the bag.

But football is a great game because it has it’s own laws of logic and is always able to to throw a surprise at us. The Foxes scored very soon after the re-start from a free-kick, helped by a big deflection, and their tails were well and truly up. All of a sudden we had much less control in midfield and Leicester was particularly strong on their left side – our ride side – and soon we had another surprise: a superb technical effort by the all-round impressive Justin found the back of the net, and all of a sudden Arsenal’s two-goal lead had evaporated.

Now we had a real game on our hands, and Hermansen seemed determined to do a Raya on us with a number of superb stops from all sorts of efforts by the boys. It took till the 95th minute before we finally, and fortuitously, scored the winner. It was definitely deserved but it was still a bit harsh on the Foxes who I thought fought hard throughout the match and never allowed us to just play our game, including in the first half. As a result the boys had to work really, really hard to get the three points. It goes to show that there are no easy games and that we need to remain focussed for the entire game. Next time round we are likely to be less lucky and vital points will be dropped.

Eight quick observations:

1. We have our left side back. I wrote about this a short while ago: the arrival of Calafiori is great news for Martinelli. He pushed forward constantly and his style of play is reminiscent of Granit. Calafiori has a similar strong and versatile left foot and his strength and intelligence on the pitch also reminded me of our former Swiss maestro. Yes the Italian is our left full back and Xhaka was a midfielder for us, but their contributions to the team are very similar. Martinelli got plenty of service from the Italian and Declan, and with a goal and an assist I would imagine he slept very well last night.
2. Saka was once again quietly magnificent. Bukayo is the King of Assists with 5 in 6 games; and he has already created 20 chances, more than any other PL player except McNeil at Everton. He did not get another assists today, but despite Leicester double marking him and giving him as little space as possible, Saka was a constant threat. His first touch is fabulous, his passing is sharp, his decision-making is so mature and his unpredictability keeps astounding me.
3. We had two very good functioning wings but the middle is still a work in progress. With the Ode gone we lack a player that can open up defences right through the middle. I think we all feel that Nwaneri is the man to do it and sooner or later Arteta will have to start him in the nr10 position. He certainly made an instant difference when he came on, late in the game. Playing both Havertz and Trossard through the middle is certainly a work in progress: it feels like duplication at times.
4. I am a bit disappointed in Declan’s start of the season. He works as hard as ever, but his creative/attacking contributions are below par imho. He just does not seem his former self somehow, and I wonder what’s causing this.
5. Although, as per my third point, I am not sure whether playing both Havertz and Trossard centrally in attack is an entirely good thing, it cannot be argued that they both work hard and are excellent at positioning themselves dangerously in the box. Especially the Belgian is a master at this. At times I had forgotten he was on the pitch, and I guess the same goes for the opposition’s defenders. He worked himself into great positions and on another day he would have scored a hattrick. Both Havertz and Trossard ended up on the score-sheet, so maybe this combination is to be continued for a while.
6. Timber had a very good game in terms of supporting the attack, and especially Saka – who really is missing the Ode – is benefiting from this. Yet, there is work to be done in terms of defending our right flank. Timber is a fine defender but White and Saliba have a great mutual understanding of what needs doing when and where, and there were too many gaps in that area of which Leicester took full advantage. I thought Partey did well in supporting the attack, but he was also guilty of leaving too much space for the Foxes’ attacks in that area.
7. Still, the additions to the first team of the full backs Timber and Calafiori have made us a stronger team all round. We have two new beasts on the flanks and they really are adding another dimension to our play.
8. Finally, the press are trying to produce a new managerial heavy-weight rivalry between Giardiola and Arteta. These rivalries are of course fun to write about, and creating a rift between the two is therefore worthwhile. I think Pep’s lesser command of the English language is not helping here, as it can easily be misinterpreted. But I am sure that both Spaniards will not fall for it. On the other hand, both sets of players may well enter a period of bitter rivalry, and I am all for it. It looks more and more that Arteta is putting together a team that has the best of Graham and Wenger: steel, cheek, athleticism, style, quality, hunger and tenacity. A mighty red and white storm is coming towards Arsenal’s PL rivals, and they all know it.

By TotalArsenal.