Arsenal player ratings vs Leicester: Four stars get 8s but Nketiah red costs Gunners a win

Arsenal squandered a chance to return to the Premier League’s top six for the first time since November and cut the gap to Leicester to six points, drawing 1-1 with Leicester at the Emirates after Jamie Vardy’s late equaliser.

The Gunners were second best until they went ahead in the first 45 with brilliant passes from Dani Ceballos and Bukayo Saka allowing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to net his 20th Premier League goal of the season as he hunts down the Golden Boot.

And from then on, the Gunners were in control for the rest of the first half with Saka, Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette causing the Foxes a whole host of problems.

Leicester improved in the second half and the north Londoners were put under the cosh when substitute Eddie Nketiah was sent off within minutes of coming on for catching James Justin.

And as Arsenal looked to move within six points of Leicester and three of fifth-placed Manchester United, Vardy’s 22nd of the season – from a brilliant Demarai Gray cross – brought the Foxes level.

But how did they perform individually? Express Sport rates and slates the north Londoners after they were made to rue Nketiah’s dismissal, which leaves their hopes of Champions League football reliant on a series of slip-ups from their rivals.

Arsenal player ratings vs Leicester – Premier League

Emiliano Martinez – 8

A brilliant back-up to Bernd Leno so far. Denied Jamie Vardy and Kelechi Iheanacho early on and came off his line well to meet a threatening Kasper Schmeichel goal kick on a Leicester counter-attack. Denied Iheanacho again in the second half, holding his side-foot volley despite a bounce. Seemed set for a fourth clean sheet from his fifth Premier League game, but could do nothing about Vardy’s effort.

Shkodran Mustafi – 7

Put himself through it physically in another solid display from the German, who was clearly ordered to look for long on-the-ground passes into the final third. That said, he held Vardy onside, albeit very narrowly, for Leicester’s equalising goal with five minutes to go of normal time.

David Luiz – 6

Too easily beaten by Vardy early on, with Martinez on hand to deny the striker. But looks much more comfortable in a back three, which helps mask his weaknesses and bring out his strengths – particularly his ability on the ball. Briefly worried Schmeichel with a second-half free-kick the Danish goalkeeper had to push wide of the post and a strong block to a Wilfried Ndidi shot from long range on the hour mark. 

Sead Kolasinac – 6

Aggressive in the tackle and repeatedly won the ball high up the pitch. Possibly fortunate for it to be adjudged that he was fouled by Iheanacho, seeing a goal for Leicester ruled out as a result.

Kieran Tierney – 8

After an off day at Wolves, back to his best here. Regularly got forward to aid Arsenal’s attacks and connected sweetly on a long-range strike which Schmeichel held well. Some sensational low crosses into the box which caused Leicester problems. Did well defensively too, tracking across to cover when Justin got into space in the box and looked to shoot. 

Bukayo Saka – 8

Lost possession in dangerous areas a few times when Leicester were on the front foot but sublime when Arsenal got on top and involved in what seemed like every attack. Brilliant run and assist for Aubameyang and another dangerous burst to try and meet Aubameyang’s cross soon after. Forced a save from Schmeichel with a shot of his own then set up Lacazette’s effort on the turn. Faded after the break however.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 7

Good positioning to get on the end of Saka’s cross and almost returned the favour for his team-mate soon after. Only the second ever Arsenal player to score 20 goals in back-to-back Premier League seasons. Was rampant in a spell before the break but impact waned when Leicester improved in the second half.

Alexandre Lacazette – 7

Some good link-up and hold-up play in the first half and forced a brilliant save from Schmeichel after shooting on the turn. Should’ve scored before half-time from a Bellerin cross, though. Clever second-half foul to break up a Leicester breakaway. Scored from close range at a corner in his very last involvement but rightly flagged offside.

Substitutes

Eddie Nketiah (on for Lacazette, min 70) – 2

Sent off within five minutes of coming on. Brought on to offer extra energy up top but a poor challenge on Justin on the half-way line, catching him high with his studs, saw his yellow card upgraded to red after referee Chris Kavanagh looked at the incident via VAR.

Joe Willock (on for Saka, min 70) – 6

Made to work hard as a result of Nketiah’s dismissal.

Lucas Torreira (on for Ceballos, min 80) – 6

Came on to offer extra grit and graft in the middle.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles (on for Aubameyang, min 90+3) – N/A

Helped ensure Arsenal didn’t throw away a point after giving up all three.

source: express.co.uk