Thomas Partey and Alexandre Lacazette were on the score-sheet as Arsenal defeated Leicester City 2-0 at home. It was yet another sensational home victory for the Gunners, which proved to be a huge upgrade for the team. With this win, Arsenal has won 10 home game matches and collected 32 points out of a possible 42.
Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, Arron Ramsdale, and Ben White were the unsung heroes for the match. They played exceptionally well against the Foxes. It was a team effort that ensured Arteta’s team took one step forward towards the ultimate goal set for the season.
👊 Five wins in a row
💪 A massive team performance
🔥 WE ARE THE ARSENAL
🔴 2-0 🦊 (FT)#ARSLEI pic.twitter.com/8znIs9UDrM
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 13, 2022
The match was hugely important for Arsenal as 4th spot competitors like Man United and West Ham United had already collected 3 points in the gameweek and overtook Gunners in the table. Irrespective of the “games in hand” situation, a win against Leicester City was a priority for Arsenal to ensure some breathing space in the busy April-May period.
So Arsenal’s ever-improving side took the challenge and delivered the result for the fans. Let us go through some of the talking points from the match.
Most Improved Player For Arsenal – Thomas Partey
Arsenal invested hugely in the Ghana international 2 years back and the start was much of a disappointment for the fans. He was literally becoming one of those “misfit” signings for the teams which will later be removed “at a loss” from the books.
🗳 You voted @Thomaspartey22 your February Player of the Month…
Now it's time to hear from the man himself! 👋 pic.twitter.com/CpXi9Fu75l
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 8, 2022
Partey himself had accepted the “crisis” situation for himself and vowed to come back strong. “There are moments I can really hurt the other team but there are also moments where I allow myself to lose focus and that’s when everything goes down,” Partey said to Sky Sports.
But since the turn of the calendar year, 28-years old player has shown drastic change and continuous improvements in every match. A player who was rated way below in the team’s performances was even the “player of the month” in February.
This certainly is a huge boost for the Gunners team.
Young Team “Turning The Table” In Arsenal’s Favor
If we go to the start of the 2022 season, Arsenal was playing after an abysmal season, had lost the opening 3 games, and had no “big name” signed in. Everyone, except the Emirates faithful, predicted the possibility of the worst season for Arsenal.
But it was the continuous efforts in the training ground and Arteta’s faith in his players that charged up the young Gunners. The team started to show positive results on the field. They even challenged defending Champions Man City on the very 1st day of 2022, proving the intent and capability of the team.
Currently, Arsenal has a relatively firm grip on the Champions League qualification spot in the table and might even challenge their London Rivals, Chelsea for the 3rd spot.
Ramsdale’s Consistency Helping Gunners In A Big Way
Bernd Leno was not performing very poorly to be exact that Arsenal had to go looking for an additional Keeper in the 2021 summer transfer window. But Edu and Arteta decided to go for the young and talented keeper to Challenge the German for the spot.
The fee paid was whopping and many people criticised the Ramsdale signing. But after 2/3rd matches played, the new shot-stopper not only proved to be the difference-maker for the team but also a crowd favourite.
Some of his saves and even the ball distributions were highlight-worthy. Arsenal finally has safe pair of hands between the posts.
Ødegaard As The Main Attacking Threat For Arsenal Vs Leicester City
Martin Ødegaard decided to go for a second spell at the Emirates and it eventually became a fruitful decision for both parties. Ødegaard had limited game time at the Spanish capital and Arsenal was looking for an exceptional playmaker after Ozil’s situation.
The age, calibre, and technique suit Arsenal’s requirements, which again validated the perfect signing summer for the Gunners. Ødegaard has scored 5 goals and provided 3 assists so far in the season. But it was his vision and key passes that unlocked many defences for Arsenal this term.
“No Europe Action” – Benefiting The Arsenal Against Leicester City
Arsenal is out of the Fa Cup and EFL Cup already. That leaves the team to compete only for the Champion League qualification this season, and it was the ultimate aim for the board also.
Manchester United, West Ham United, and Leicester City all had European games in between their league fixtures. Their main team got tired because of fixture congestion. Tottenham also had a deeper run in the FA cup and that crowded their schedule.
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With only Premier League matches to play in, the Gunners could focus more precisely and field the strongest team. Arsenal enjoyed better schedules and a fitter squad compared to their challengers for the “4th league spot”.
What are your views on the Game? Do let us know in the comment box.
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