Arsenal will be hoping to continue their unbeaten start in the Premier League this season as they host Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium.
By Matt Smith
The away side are yet to secure their first victory since returning to the top flight, but they’ve been difficult to beat, picking up three draws.
The Gunners produced a valiant defensive display last time out against Manchester City, going down to 10 men in the first half and almost holding on to come away with three points. A last-minute John Stones equaliser meant the points were shared, but Mikel Arteta will have been proud of their performance.
Arsenal have been solid at the back this term, just as they were last season, conceding just 0.6 goals per game, only bettered by Liverpool (0.2). It’s been no doubt significantly helped by some impressive goalkeeping from David Raya, who sits second in the save percentage charts with 88.5%.
In attack, Bukayo Saka has been a key creative force in Arteta’s side, producing five assists. The English winger has in fact created a goal in every single Premier League game so far this campaign.
The North London outfit could see themselves climb to the top of the table if results go their way, which is an impressive achievement considering they’ve already come up against Aston Villa, Brighton, Manchester City, Wolves, and rivals Tottenham.
It’s been a tricky start to the campaign for Leicester, with Steve Cooper under increasing pressure from supporters after they were taken all the way to penalties by League Two Walsall earlier this week.
The Foxes have struggled from an attacking sense, with only Ipswich Town creating more expected goals (xG). Cooper’s side have struck six times, conceding eight goals in the process.
Wilfred Ndidi, who could have come close to leaving the club due to being out of contract, has been one of the standout players for the Foxes this term. The Nigerian midfielder has averaged a match rating of 7.44, higher than any other Leicester player, registering three assists and creating four big chances while also being a ball-winner in the middle of the park.
Leicester will be desperate to find their first win, but it’s not going to be an easy afternoon against a side who are likely to be competing for the Premier League title. The Foxes are going to have to find a win from somewhere eventually though as they continue to fight to stay in England’s top flight after gaining promotion from the Championship last season.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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