Match Ratings: Arsenal vs Leicester City

Arsenal 0 Leicester City 1

Leicester City used very much the same tactical approach against Pep’s number 2 as they did against Pep himself, and while the sequel wasn’t like the original, the result was just as exhilarating.

Kasper Schmeichel 8/10

He made an excellent save to deny Hector Bellerin on a cross from and did not have a lot to do otherwise. His distribution was excellent today, with 12/24 long balls being played accurately. I get 50% isn’t pulsating on paper, but near the end of the game, he put the ball directly on Marc Alrbrighton’s chest who played Jamie Vardy in, and if it weren’t for an outstanding Bernd Leno save off of his head, it would’ve ended 2-0.

Christian Fuchs 8/10

He seemed the most likely to be pulled when we weren’t creating much, I was so glad Brendan didn’t move away from that, as we really thrived with three CBs today. He had a second team high 6 clearances, and while obviously still a bit rusty, he was essential in the result.

Wesley Fofana 9/10

When he almost went down with injury, every Fox held their breathe and waited for good news. He defended each attack with the grace of a Baywatch Lifeguard.

Jonny Evans 9/10

His stats do not reflect how glorious he was today. He was exactly where we needed him to be, especially with the block after a great ball came in over James Justin’s shoulder and Arsenal were threatening to score on Kasper’s near post. He was like a bear in a swimming pool, conquering the space.

Timothy Castagne 7/10

He really earned the rating at the end of the game when he had a winger to work with. He was very much singled out on the right, but ended up with a team high 8 clearances, a shock number given how he seemed to lose the ball twice when crossed in behind him.

James Justin 6/10

JJ was definitely caught between defense and attack for the majority of the game. He only had 1 clearance, 1 cross which was incomplete, and a 63% passing rating. I think again, he was a victim of the formation, but we ain’t all winners on a mechanical bull.

Youri Tielemans 10/10

Best pass in history? Yes.

Namplays Mendy 8/10

He completed 48/49 passes and was our best option moving the ball around to keep possession. Mendy is like a brand new signing, with his ball retention and passing. He isn’t the most impressive player to have on the team, but he is doing the job given to him and you can’t be upset with that!

Dennis Praet 6/10

I think he was a victim of the system rather than a poor game. Less than 70% passing on 13 attempts and 1 tackle is not his game. He was pulled at the 60th minute, but it was to make way for better things.

James Maddison 7/10

He worked tirelessly with his first start coming back from injury, but didn’t have the impact I think he wished he had. Madders isn’t a false 9 brought to life by ancient incantations with Brendan speaking to him in ancient tongues.

Harvey Barnes 7/10

It is a shame he didn’t play centrally. I get that would have meant Madders on the wing, which, blurgh, but Barnes down the middle might’ve lead to some more goal explosiveness early on. He didn’t get the ball enough in my opinion, but it isn’t like our attacks were exciting before Vardy emerged from the bench.

Honorable Mentions

Jamie Vardy 10/10. One shot, one goal. Very nice.

Cengiz Ünder 10/10 One cross, one assist. I like.

Marc Goatbrighton: you don’t score the GOAT.