Arsenal vs Leicester result: Player ratings as Jamie Vardy snatches victory for the Foxes
Leicester City completed the perfect smash and grab against Arsenal as Jamie Vardy came off the bench to score a late winner at the Emirates.
Arsenal dominated the vast majority of the game but, as has become a worrying trend, lacked a defining creative influence to take advantage of their possession.
Vardy, starting on the bench as he recovers from injury, was introduced for the final half-an-hour and his presence immediately struck fear into the heart of Arsenal’s defence.
When the goal came in the dying stages, it already had a feeling of inevitability, Youri Tielemans springing the offside trap, with new signing Cengiz Under setting up Vardy for a headed finish.
Here are our player ratings from the game:
Arsenal
Bernd Leno - 5: A nervous clearance almost gifted James Maddison an early goal, and the German never seemed totally assured after an error-prone performance during the week.
Hector Bellerin - 5: Was fortunate not to receive a second yellow card after a reckless slide tackle on James Justin.
David Luiz - 7: Was clearly instructed to play long diagonal balls from deep by Arteta, which consistently provoked danger in attack. He was solid in defence, too, before being withdrawn early due to a thigh injury.
Gabriel - 6: Was a strong presence at the heart of Arsenal’s defence and has adapted to Premier League football well.
Granit Xhaka - 5: Was forced to play in an unorthodox role in defence and adapted very well under difficult circumstances, but was eventually caught out on the counter for Leicester’s goal.
Kieran Tierney - 7: Typically impressive, whether operating as a wing-back or central defender, and offered a good outlet going forwards.
Thomas Partey - 7: Already the clear heartbeat in Arsenal’s midfield, the Ghanaian adds a solidity and structure, even if his influence wasn’t as great as his impressive full debut against Rapid Vienna.
Dani Ceballos - 5: A few sloppy passes led to unnecessary moments of worry for Arsenal’s defence.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - 6: Isolated for large periods of the game, a consequence of Arteta’s system rather than the captain’s own determination.
Alexandre Lacazette - 5: Pressed well up front but failed to truly capitalise when chances presented themselves.
Bukayo Saka - 6: A few bright moments in the first half but lacked end product and faded before being replaced by Nicolas Pepe.
Leicester
Kasper Schmeichel - 6: Had little to do for the vast majority of the game, but made a fine save to deny Bellerin’s second-half volley.
Timothy Castagne - 6: Was always dangerous in attack and was composed in defence aside from a few early scares when Saka broke forwards.
Wesley Fofana - 8: Young French centre-back was brilliant throughout, never flustered and great with the ball at his feet, too. Another fantastic signing by the Foxes.
Jonny Evans - 7: An assured performance from the Foxes’ defensive veteran, whose experience and nous spreads throughout the pitch.
Christian Fuchs - 6: Was great and composed, too, outwitting Arsenal’s attack and rarely ceding ground.
James Justin - 6: Another consummate display from the 22-year-old, who’s attacking game continues to evolve in tandem with an already reliable defensive base.
Nampalys Mendy - 7: Wilfred Ndidi has left huge shoes to fill, but Mendy continues to defy initial expectations and is flourishing as the midfield guardian.
Youri Tielemans - 7: A magnificent pass set Cengiz Under free for the winner. The creative metronome with terrific vision.
Dennis Praet - 6: Hassled and harried, slightly short of end product in comparison to his midfield partners, but provided the perfect balance.
James Maddison - 6: Continues to improve after a long layoff, floating in front of Arsenal’s defence, even if he is yet to refind his very best form.
Harvey Barnes - 5: Worked relentlessly as a makeshift lone striker in Jamie Vardy’s initial absence, but struggled to make a significant impression.
This weekend get a £10 free bet with Betfair, when you bet £10 on a Same Game Multi on the Premier League. Terms: Min £10 Same Game Multi bet on any EPL match this Fri - Sun. Free bet valid for 72 hours, awarded at bet settlement. Excludes cashed out bets. T&Cs apply.