Arsenal underline improvement under Mikel Arteta with disciplined win over lacklustre Leicester
john percy
·18 min read
Eddie Nketiah got his second goal of the week as he fired in the winner against Leicester - GETTY IMAGES
It is now seven domestic cup ties without defeat for Mikel Arteta, and his revolution at Arsenal continues to gather momentum with Mesut Ozil nowhere to be seen.
Arteta has already delivered silverware with last season’s FA Cup victory and this was a promising start to a competition that has proved an annual struggle for Arsenal over the past two decades.
You have to go back to 1993 for the last time Arsenal lifted the trophy in this competition, but Arteta’s new era is showing tangible signs of progress, with Ozil’s absence from the match-day squad again the big talking point.
Ozil and Matteo Guendouzi were both excluded from the 18, and Arteta’s judgment cannot be questioned on the evidence of his reign so far.
Leicester City, semi-finalists last season, were swept aside and Arteta is yet to lose a cup tie in England since his appointment in December last year.
Fuchs own goal - SHUTTERSTOCK
He could face a test of that record in the next round if Liverpool can overcome Lincoln City, but this was another professional, disciplined performance from an Arsenal team brimming with adventure.
There is clearly no way back for Ozil now, and the message could not be clearer unless Arteta grabbed him by the shirt collar and roared in his face.
“The team is evolving and it is very difficult for some players, not just Mesut, to make the squad,” Arteta said.
“It’s difficult for others who weren’t involved in the Premier League. I understand the questions, but I have to do my job as straight as possible. I select the players in the best condition.
“We are picking the players we believe are the best for each game. We have a squad of 26 or 27 players and we cannot give them many moments.
“I’m really happy with the performance, first of all with the attitude and the way we approached the game mentally.”
This was a desperately disappointing night for Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers, who made 11 changes and revealed after the game that influential midfielder Wilfred Ndidi could miss up to three months with a groin injury.
With funds restricted, Rodgers is already battling to sign a new centre-half before the transfer window closes so the absence of Ndidi comes at a poor time.
Leicester barely troubled Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno, with James Maddison producing their best chance with a brilliant chip which struck a post late in the first half.
James Maddison impressed on his return to Leicester's starting XI after being out with injury - AP
Maddison was returning after three months out with a hip injury but, with Jamie Vardy not included in the squad, Leicester were devoid of an attacking threat.
“If we’re going to lose the game, I’d prefer we lost it that way,” Rodgers said. “We showed good energy, we pressed well and had moments of quality. I thought the cohesion was very good.
“If I’m being critical, we didn’t get shots off quickly enough and didn’t combine well enough, but the attitude and energy were good. The disappointment was that it was two scruffy goals [we conceded].”
Arsenal had lost on their previous three visits to the King Power Stadium, but controlled much of the game, with the front three of Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah and Nicolas Pepe troubling Leicester with their movement and swift, incisive passing.
Heavy rain was constant in the second half and there was a downpour of misfortune for Leicester as they conceded the opening goal in the 57th minute.
Nketiah made sure of the win with a goal in the last minute - AFP
Christian Fuchs misjudged the bounce of a ball to free Bukayo Saka, who released Pepe in the area. Pepe’s initial cross was blocked by goalkeeper Danny Ward, but then his shot on the rebound came back off a post and took a wicked deflection off Fuchs to fly into the unguarded net.
It was a goal that had been coming, and it was the first own goal Arsenal had benefited from since April 2019.
Leicester did have a chance to equalise in the 81st minute, arguably against the run of play, but substitute Ayoze Perez headed Marc Albrighton’s free-kick wide of the near post.
Arsenal completed a routine win in added time when Nketiah poked the ball past Ward, as the Leicester goalkeeper and defence hesitated.
In cup competitions, Arteta seems to have the magic touch.
Match details
Leicester City (3-4-3): Ward 5; Amartey 6, Morgan 6, Fuchs 5; Albrighton 5, Choudhury 5, Dewsbury-Hall 6 (Perez 76), Thomas 6; Gray 6, Iheanacho 5, Maddison 6 (Praet 72). Subs not used: Jakupovic (g), Justin, Tielemans, Barnes, Knight. Arsenal (3-4-3) Leno 6; Holding 6, Luiz 7, Kolasinac 7; Maitland-Niles 6, Willock 6 (Ceballos 78), Elneny 6, Saka 6 (Bellerin 87); Pepe 6, Nketiah 6, Nelson 7 (Willian 72). Subs not used: Runarsson (g), Bellerin, Saliba, Lacazette, Xhaka. Booked: Elneny. Referee: Peter Bankes (Wirral).
08:42 PM
NKETIAH SCORES THE WINNER
Eddie Nketiah dances through the Leicester defence to score in the final minute - PA
08:39 PM
FINAL SCORE; Leicester 0-2 Arsenal
A job well done by Arsenal. They looked the better side throughout and deserved their scrappy opening goal by virtue of an unlucky Fuchs. Nketiah got his second goal of the week to make sure of the victory.
Leicester lacked rhythm throughout and created little. If they are to win some silverware this season it won't be in the Carabao Cup...
08:36 PM
GOAL! Leicester 0-2 Arsenal
IT'S ALL OVER! The sub Bellerin drives into the Leicester box before playing in a low ball towards Nketiah. The young striker still has a lot of work to do but he shows Morgan and Co a clean pair of heels - much in the same manner as you imagine Fred Astaire would have shown a clean pair of heels in the dancer's pomp - and somehow gets in a stabbed shot while falling down that ends handsomely in the back of the net.
08:33 PM
88 mins: Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
Leicester haven't clicked tonight, after seeing a lot of the ball they are unable to find a killer pass and are reduced to playing a high ball in the box which Leno gratefully collects.
08:31 PM
86 mins: Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
Thomas was free down the left for Leicester but an awful pass from Iheanacho finds the touchline instead of his team-mate. As bad a pass as you are likely to see this season...
08:28 PM
83 mins: Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
Leicester are seeing the ball more and beginning to ask a few questions - Praet fires wide from distance this time.
08:26 PM
81 mins: Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
SO CLOSE - Perez is free in the six-yard box but heads wide from a free-kick. You get the feeling a set piece is the hosts' route back into the match, but will they have a better chance than that?
08:23 PM
78 mins: Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
Leicester are still in this game but are yet to test Leno this half - they need someone to create something and fast.
08:21 PM
75 mins: Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
The hosts make another change as Perez comes on for Dewsbury-Hall, the player whose name sounds like a National Trust property in Yorkshire...
Willock is replaced by Ceballos for Arsenal.
08:19 PM
73 mins: Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
Morgan heads off the line while back-pedalling after Nketiah lobs the onrushing Ward. Leicester are living dangerously and only have 20 minutes to save this tie.
08:17 PM
69 mins: Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
Dennis Praet comes on for Maddison, who looked a bit tired as the game wore on. For Arsenal Willian replaces Nelson.
08:12 PM
67 mins: Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
Gray gets in behind Holding and plays in a low cross toward the penalty spot - Luiz again reads it well and clears the rare danger from Leicester.
08:11 PM
64 mins: Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
It must be only a matter of time before one or more of Barnes, Tielemans and Perez come on for the hosts. They've created nothing in the second period so far.
08:09 PM
Calamity for Leicester
Fuchs - PA
08:04 PM
59 mins: Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
Arsenal's forward line is looking more confident and causing a few problems for the Leicester backline. The Gunners will be hoping to finish this game off in the next 10 minutes.
08:02 PM
GOAL! Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
Pepe causes the damage down the right beating Morgan before getting in a cross/shot which Ward hits onto Morgan who then directs the ball onto the the post, it then rebounds onto Fuchs and goes into the net for a bit of a comedy OWN GOAL.
07:58 PM
50 mins: Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
You get the feeling that Arsenal are being a bit over-elaborate at times. taking too many touches having got in behind the Leicester defence. A well-worked move between Maitland-Niles and Pepe on the right is a case in point as what should have produced a good chance fizzles out without a shot on goal.
07:52 PM
47 mins: Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
Gray plays in Maddison on the edge of the box. The midfielder had a lot of time and space but fires high and wide. Maddison is without a goal since New Year's Day and it's not hard to see why based on that attempt.
07:49 PM
45 mins: Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
No changes from either side as they go in search of the opening goal....
07:48 PM
45 mins: Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
We're back underway at The King Power Stadium - a reminder that if it's still a draw at 90 minutes there will be a penalty shootout....
07:36 PM
Would you have pointed to the spot?
Still goalless with five minutes of the first half remaining - but @BukayoSaka87 has seen appeals for a penalty denied...
That was an entertaining first period, open but with few clear-cut chances.
Arsenal will feel they had the better opportunities to score and were VERY UNLUCKY not to get a penalty. Leicester hit the post and will be looking to get Maddison in the game more during the next 45 minutes.
07:28 PM
42 mins: Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
Leicester are enjoying their best period of the match, they're keeping the ball well and Maddison gets in a header at the back post which goes wide.
07:26 PM
39 mins: Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
SO CLOSE for Maddison. A magnificent move from the hosts ends with the ball at the feet of the returning midfielder. He spots Leno off his line and hits 25-yard chip that beats the Arsenal keeper all ends up, but the ball hits the post and rebounds into the arms of a grateful Leno.
07:22 PM
35 mins: Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
David Luiz, who has looked solid so far, takes a bang on the head from his own keeper, Leno. There's a bit of a break and the Brazilian returns to action.
07:21 PM
The Gunners' Nelson
Nelson - PA
07:18 PM
31 mins: Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
Another great chance for Arsenal again falls to Nelson. The ball drops to him from a corner, the 19-year-old pulls the trigger but cannot hit the target. You get the sense a goal is coming....
07:16 PM
30 mins: Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
Wonderful link-up play between Saka, Nketiah and Nelson results in Nelson hitting a side-footed shot just inside the box. Wards makes a good, but regulation, save. Arsenal are looking the better side at the moment.
07:14 PM
28 mins: Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
Penalty shout for Arsenal as Nketiah is bundled over near the six-yard box by Amartey. The Leicester defender doesn't get any of the ball but referee Peter Bankes waves play on. VERY LUCKY for Leicester there.
07:11 PM
24 mins: Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
It's Leicester turn to get a shot in. Gray beats Holding on the left to create a shooting chance with his right foot, he fires over the bar though allowing Leno to watch the ball into the stand.
07:08 PM
21 mins: Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
Arsenal are looking the more likely to score. Holding plays in Nketiah who just fails to get on the end of the throughball.
07:06 PM
18 mins: Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
Saka has looked very lively so far and the 19-year-old beats Albrighton before putting in a teasing cross which no one can get on the end of - this is a good spell for the Gunners.
07:03 PM
14 mins: Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
David Luiz finds Nelson with a dinked long ball, from the resulting attack Arsenal play some lovely intricate passes with the ball ending up at Pepe's feet, he decides not to hit it first time and Fuchs is able to get the important block in.
06:59 PM
10 mins: Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
Leicester are playing what looks to be a 4-2-3-1 tonight with Maddison looking to provide the inspiration for the Foxes. After an open start the match has just hit a bit of a lull.
06:56 PM
Iheanacho's early attempt
REUTERS
06:53 PM
5 mins: Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
A great chance for Leicester and fine save from Leno after a wonderful ball from Albrighton plays in Iheanacho on the edge of the box. The Nigerian hits it first time and an on-rushing Leno saved with his legs.
This is a very bright start from the hosts.
06:51 PM
3 mins: Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
Another long-distance attempt - this time by Arsenal's Reiss Nelson forces Ward into a fine save. The Leicester keeper tips the right-footed shot over for the game's first corner. The hosts deal with the set-piece and it's still 0-0 after a strong opening few minutes at the King Power Stadium.
06:48 PM
2 mins: Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
Early and ambitious attempt from Iheanacho as the striker sees Leno off his line and tries to volley it into the corner from 30 yards - the ball goes wide without any heart-in-mouth moments for the Arsneal keeper.
06:46 PM
1 min: Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
And we're off...
06:44 PM
The battle of the BIG HAIR takes place
These are two huge barnets....Hamza Coudhury vs David Luiz...
Hamza - GETTY IMAGES
VS
Luiz - REUTERS
06:38 PM
We get underway in five minutes....
Who do you think will win the battle of the Premier League table-toppers?
06:30 PM
Maddison the main man?
It's fair to say Leicester are excited to see Maddison back in the starting line-up.
Arsenal laboured to the 2-1 over West Ham but one of the bright spots was the continued good form of
Eddie Nketiah.
The 21-year-old is a bit of an old-school poacher and his winner against the Gunners' London rivals was further evidence of his natural goalscoring ability.
Eddie Nketiah has looked very impressive in an Arsenal shirt so far - SHUTTERSTOCK
06:15 PM
Arsenal still name strong line-up
Mikel Arteta has made as many as seven changes from the side that beat West Ham at the weekend but it still looks like a strong team.
In come Pepe, Saka, David Luiz and Nketiah, while Lacazette is on the subs bench. Aubameyang, as with Vardy, is given the night off.
06:08 PM
Maddison returns
Rodgers has changed his side’s entire starting XI from the line-up that beat Burnley at the weekend. Jamie Vardy and Harvey Barnes - both very impressive in the league so far both don’t start with Vardy not even on the bench which looks like this…
On the plus side this does mean a first start of the season for James Maddison who will be looking to remind everyone why he is one of the most highly rated midfielders in England. The 23-year-old has been out for three months with a hip injury and of his return Rodgers had this to say…
“James needs the minutes, he’s been out for a long time,” said Rodgers. “It’s over three months that he’s been out and he’s only been training for two weeks. We’ve got a really long season ahead of us. “You can see that the period he was on (against Burnley) that he needs to get up to speed. That’s a process.
Maddison - GETTY IMAGES
05:57 PM
Team news is in....
#LCFC XI to face #AFC: Ward, Amartey, Morgan, Fuchs, Albrighton, Choudhury, Dewsbury-Hall, Thomas, Gray, Maddison, Iheanacho. #AFC XI to face #LCFC: Leno, Holding, Luiz, Kolasinac, Maitland-Niles, Elneny, Willock, Saka, Pepe, Nelson, Nketiah.
Welcome to the tournament BIG teams aren’t that interested in…or so I thought…
Usually at this stage of the season the Carabao Cup is right down the list of priorities of top-flight teams - probably below fixing the broken light in the bathroom and hanging out the washing. Add in the fact that this shortened season is already pretty packed due to Covid-19 and many managers could be forgiven in giving even less of a stuff about the tournament pre-Christmas than usual.
But Brendan Rodgers isn’t just any manager, every so often he likes to come across as different and this evening is no different as the man with the envelopes has admitted that he’d rather like to see Leicester City win this much-maligned competition.
He said: “We want to do well in it, we want to be really competitive in it, the same idea as last season.”
Leicester reached the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup in the last campaign, losing to Aston Villa. Rodgers also guided the club to the FA Cup quarter-finals and the Leicester manager is hoping that with this year’s very short pre-season these cup matches will help get his players match fit.
Kelechi Iheanacho of Leicester City scores the equalising goal during the Carabao Cup Semi Final match between Leicester City and Aston Villa - GETTY IMAGES
“I think with the quick turnaround in pre-season, with the demands we have as a squad this season, and also having to get players up to speed physically, I will make changes, for sure. I also want to have a chance to have a look at some young players. Primarily, it’s a team we’ll send out to get through to the next round.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing the team play [tonight]. We’ve got a lot of competitions we’re in, and we want to do well in them, and for that, it means I’ll have to use the squad.”
Having seen his side top the table after two Premier League matches Rodgers comes up against an Arsenal side who have been equally impressive. Two wins from two and, more importantly, the return of the feel good factor to the Gunners has them dreaming of success once again.
Taking a leaf out of Rodgers’ book Mikel Arteta says he too is looking to lift the Carabao Cup trophy next year.
“In the last few seasons I think this competition for the clubs has a raised importance. There is only one winner in the Premier League and that leaves a lot of frustrated clubs,” the Arsenal coach said.
“Everybody wants a title and you can see in the last few years that teams have used strong line-ups.”
Stay here for all the pre-match build-up and action…
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