Ethan Nwaneri incredible, Raheem Sterling flops: Arsenal ratings in Leicester win
Arsenal secured a crucial three points in the Premier League, closing the gap to Liverpool to four points after a 2-0 victory over Leicester City.
A late brace from Mikel Merino, who was deployed as a striker due to the club’s ongoing injury crisis, sealed the win. Arsenal supporters had urged the club to sign an attacker in the transfer window, but with no reinforcements, the Spanish midfielder has proven to be an unlikely hero.
Ethan Nwaneri was Arsenal’s brightest spark before the goals, hitting the post and grazing the crossbar, proving he can be a worthy replacement for Bukayo Saka in his absence.
Merino showed his striker’s instinct with a brilliant header for the first goal before scoring a second after a breakaway led by Riccardo Calafiori and Leandro Trossard late on.
Myles Lewis-Skelly proving his importance for Arsenal
David Raya – 7
Didn’t have much to do, but when called upon, he confidently claimed the ball and played out from the back with composure.
Jurrien Timber – 8
Looked comfortable on the ball and constantly fed Nwaneri, who was Arsenal’s most creative outlet.
William Saliba – 7
Saliba has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, and it’s clear why. The Frenchman dealt with everything that came his way with ease.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 7
Gabriel won Arsenal’s Player of the Month in January and continued to show his defensive dominance, ensuring very little got past him.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (Subbed off for Calafiori 76’) – 8
Extremely confident on the ball and showed his defensive importance with a crucial deflection in the final moments.
Ethan Nwaneri shows he needs faith from Mikel Arteta to start more
Thomas Partey (Subbed off for Jorginho 76’) – 6
Had a steady game and took a few shots from distance, but his impact was limited before being substituted.
Declan Rice – 6
The England international made constant runs from midfield to support the attack, but most of his shots and through balls failed to come off.
Martin Odegaard – 6
The captain created a few half-chances but ultimately failed to provide that decisive moment against a resilient Leicester defence.
Ethan Nwaneri – 9 – Man of the Match
The best player on the pitch by some distance. Constantly created opportunities for himself and his teammates and provided a perfect cross for Merino’s opener.
Raheem Sterling failed to impress in rare Arsenal opportunity
Raheem Sterling (Subbed off for Merino 68’) – 4
Sterling has been urged to step up for Arsenal with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli injured, and his was a big opportunity. However, he struggled throughout, failing to take on his man and being outshone by the 17-year-old Nwaneri on the opposite flank.
Leandro Trossard – 6 (Subbed off for Kieran Tierney 89′)
Was left isolated in the centre-forward role but became more effective when switched to his natural left-wing position, playing a key role in the second goal.
Substitutions
Mikel Merino – 8 (Subbed on for Sterling 68’)
Came off the bench and delivered two crucial goals, securing the three points for Arsenal. More than even Arteta could have asked for playing in an unnatural position.
Jorginho – 5 (Subbed on for Partey 76′)
Didn’t have much to do after coming on but picked up a yellow card in his brief time on the pitch.
Riccardo Calafiori – 5 (Subbed on for Lewis-Skelly 76′)
Helped shore up the defence and played a vital role in the second goal with his driving run from the back.
Kieran Tierney- N/A (Subbed on for Trossard 89′)
Didn’t have enough time to produce anything meaningful after he was subbed on for the final few minutes of the game