Leicester vs Arsenal Report

Scorers: Merino 81’, 87’

Mikel Merino struck twice late on to hand Arsenal a crucial 2-0 victory over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium, keeping their Premier League title aspirations alive while extending their unbeaten league run to 15 matches.

The win moves the Gunners within four points of league leaders Liverpool, who play on Sunday.

Arsenal’s Injury Woes and First-Half Struggles

Arsenal’s attacking depth was significantly weakened heading into the game, with the news that Kai Havertz will miss the remainder of the season due to a hamstring injury.

With Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka also sidelined, Mikel Arteta was forced to field an unfamiliar frontline consisting of Leandro Trossard as a makeshift striker, flanked by out-of-form Raheem Sterling and 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri.

This lack of attacking firepower was evident throughout the first half. Despite dominating possession, the Gunners created little of note, with Declan Rice’s tame header drifting wide as their only notable attempt.

Leicester, struggling for form but defensively disciplined, nearly capitalised on Arsenal’s inefficiency. Wilfried Ndidi forced David Raya into a routine save from distance, before missing the best chance of the half just before the break, heading wide when unmarked inside the box.

A Frustrating Second Half Before Arsenal’s Breakthrough

The tempo of the game increased after the interval, with Arsenal pushing forward in search of an opening goal. Nwaneri, Arsenal’s brightest attacking spark, came closest to breaking the deadlock with a curling effort from just outside the area that clipped the crossbar.

Leicester responded with their own half-chance, as Bobby De Cordova-Reid tested Raya with a fierce drive, though it was a comfortable save for the Spaniard.

As the match wore on, it seemed Arsenal would have to settle for a frustrating draw. Nwaneri struck the post with a venomous shot, and despite their growing pressure, the Gunners still lacked a clinical edge—until Mikel Merino made his presence felt off the bench.

Merino’s Late Heroics Secures Three Points for Arsenal

With just over 10 minutes remaining, Nwaneri’s pinpoint inswinging cross picked out Merino, who guided his header expertly into the bottom corner, displaying the composure of a seasoned striker.

Just six minutes later, the Spanish midfielder sealed the win. This time, he was on the end of a well-worked move, arriving at the far post to tap home a perfectly placed cross from Trossard, confirming all three points for Arsenal.

What the Result Means for Both Teams

For Arsenal, this hard-fought victory keeps them in contention for their first Premier League title in 21 years. The Gunners are now just four points behind leaders Liverpool, though the Reds have a game in hand and face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday.

Leicester, meanwhile, remain firmly in relegation trouble. The Foxes have now lost five consecutive league games without scoring, leaving them two points adrift of safety.

Their lack of cutting edge continues to be a major concern, and unless they find a solution soon, their return to the Championship looks increasingly likely.

Final Thoughts

While Arsenal’s attacking struggles were evident in the absence of key players, their resilience shone through, with Merino stepping up when needed most. Nwaneri’s growing influence was another positive, as the teenager proved to be a key creative force.

Leicester’s defensive discipline kept them in the game for long periods, but their blunt attack ultimately cost them yet again. With time running out to avoid the drop, they will need to rediscover their goalscoring touch quickly.

As for Arsenal, this was another test of their title credentials—and they passed, just about.

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Leicester v Arsenal, 2024/25 | Premier League