Arsenal secure win against Leicester in hard-fought Premier League contest

Ayomikun Elemikan Sports 25/02/2023

Arsenal recorded yet another victory to keep alive hopes of clinching the 2022/23 English Premier League title after a 1-0 win against Leicester at the King Power Stadium.

Former Brighton attacker Leandro Trossard thought he had put the away side ahead with a wonderful effort from the edge of the box.

However, referee Craig Pawson consulted VAR and ruled out the goal, confirming goalkeeper Danny Ward was fouled by Ben White.

Gabriel Martinelli rolled in his ninth Premier League goal of the season as Arsenal beat Leicester 1-0 on Saturday (Image: @Arsenal)

Super Eagles attacker Kelechi Iheanacho also scored against the Gunners but he was correctly ruled out for offside. The striker chipped the ball over Aaron Ramsdale but his goal didn’t stand.

Martinelli broke the deadlock just 50 seconds into the second half after he was brilliantly setup by Trossard.

The Brazilian couldn’t celebrate with his teammates however as he stayed down after his well placed finish. He was accidentally stamped upon by Wilfred Ndidi and was briefly attended to by Leicester’s medical staff before he continued play.

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Leicester almost levelled when Harvey Barnes’ inviting cross was nearly turned into the net by Tetê.

In the 55th minute, a beautiful pass from Martin Ødegaard found Martinelli who squared for Bukayo Saka to tap into the net but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Though far from their best, Gunners deserved to win

Arsenal continued to pour forward and had couple chances. Oleksandr Zinchenko saw his shot punched by Ward. Also, Ødegaard’s freekick in the 61st minute found Gabriel who headed towards goal with his attempt saved. The defender was later ruled offside though.

Oleksandr Zinchenko wore the captain’s armband for Arsenal against Leicester in their Premier League encounter, as a mark of respect and love on the first anniversary of the conflict in Ukraine (Image: @Arsenal)

Jamie Vardy and Youri Tielemans replaced Iheanacho and Tetê respectively in a bid to turn Leicester’s fortunes around.

The last 15 minutes of the Arsenal-Leicester Premier League game witnessed fouls flying around with tensions rising.

The Foxes were almost forced to conclude the game with ten men. Tielemans, with a persistent ankle problem, had to leave the pitch in the 88th minute. Rodgers couldn’t sub him off with his team having made five substitutions at that time.

However, the Belgian came on to finish the match but was visibly limping for the remainder of the game.