FIRST TIME
Mikel Arteta has presented his most competitive lineup for this match today, but with a change: Nketia was not at the start, although he almost always entered the field from the first minutes. But a new acquisition, Leandro Trossard, entered the list of eleven. Arteta trusts the Belgian more and more. And he did not disappoint: he scored a beautiful goal in the 26th minute, which was disallowed. But more on that below. And then he made an assist to Martinelli. This goal gave Arsenal three points.
Most notably, Oleksandr Zinchenko came out with the captain’s armband, while two notable captains, Granit Dzhaka and Martin Odegaard, played at the base. Zinchenko is gaining more and more authority in the new team. The Ukrainian could not resist Arsenal’s offer. At Man City he was a rotation player, although very important. At Arsenal, he became a leader, and Arteta needed a footballer like that, with the qualities of a leader. And not only, but also with the winning charisma that Alejandro has acquired over the years at City.
The first went there with an overwhelming advantage of the guests. Leicester approached the rival area a couple of times. An eloquent indicator is the possession of the ball in the first half, the Gunners’ advantage is 75:25. Also in terms of xG: 0.33 against zero.
In the 26th minute, after a corner kick, Dan Ward, the locals’ goalkeeper, put the ball into the penalty area, where Trossard finished off. The Belgian drifted a bit to the center and shot almost irresistibly into the top nine.
After the intervention of the VAR, the goal was annulled. Gunners centre-back Ben White caught Ward’s arm during a corner, for which he struck the ball close.
SECOND HALF
After the break, Arsenal scored quickly. Trossard on the wing gave a pass between the defender’s legs. Martinelli opened for this pass in the penalty area and shot into the far corner in a low fall – 0:1.
After that Leicester perked up, the game went on a collision course. In one episode, Zinchenko did not allow Tete to close a dangerous junction.
And in the 55th minute, Arsenal scored again – Saka scored, but before that Martinelli had a small offside.
Tielemans and club legend Vardy took to the pitch at Leicester. The locals attacked more, but almost did not create scoring chances at the gates of the guests.
Arsenal picked up an important three points in class and now await a response from Man City, who started their away game with Bourmouth.
England Championship.
Leicester – Arsenal – 0:1 (0:0)
Goal: Martinelli, 46.
