Pepe dazzles, Willian shines as Gunners cruise past Leicester
Arsenal has eased to a comfortable 3-1 win over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on a glorious Sunday afternoon in the Premier League.
Youri Tieleman put Leicester ahead just six minutes in before two goals in six minutes from David Luiz and an Alexandre Lacazette penalty put Arsenal ahead just before halftime. Nicolas Pepe doubled the Gunner’s advantage as they eased to a much-needed win.
How it played out
Arsenal had barely gotten into their groove before they were again behind from an individual error just six minutes in.
After a poor pass from Granit Xhaka, Youri Tielemans picked Willian’s pocket and was allowed to run a full 40 yards into the Arsenal penalty area before lashing home his shot across Bernd Leno and into the net.
It had become something of a theme for Arsenal of late, simple errors that have been punished. The visitors were in control of every aspect in the match as Leicester offered next to nothing going forward as Arsenal looked to get the goal that would bring them level.
Nicolas Pepe tormented Luke Thomas every time he got the ball and the defender yet again brought down the Ivorian as Arsenal had numerous set pieces, however, this time they took advantage.
Willian registered his second assist in as many games with a cross that was whipped in and David Luiz headed home to bring his side level.
Arsenal was dominating Leicester and on the stroke of halftime, the Gunners finally got some luck with VAR. Wilfred Ndidi got in the way of a Nicolas Pepe shot, however, his arm was raised, and the ball clattered into him. Referee Paul Tierney took a look himself at the monitor and pointed to the spot as Arsenal was given the chance to take the lead.
Skipper for the day, Alexandre Lacazette stepped up and emphatically fired home as in the space of six minutes, the Gunners turned the match on its head. The only blemish in what was a dominant first half was the injury to young star Emile Smith Rowe.
What a turnaround! 👊#LEIARS 🦊 1-2 ⚪️ (HT)
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 28, 2021
Arsenal started the second half exactly as they finished the first, on top and it took just seven minutes for the Gunners to double their lead.
A superb pass from Granit Xhaka found Pepe in space as he drove into the Leicester box and the ball found its way to Willian who clipped it back for Pepe who was unmarked and deservedly got his goal as Arsenal were now in cruise control.
The rest of the game went by with Leciester barely troubling Arsenal at any stage in the entire match aside from their goal as the Gunners were a class above their opponents. Kelechi Iheanacho had a chance late on but blasted over as Arsenal got an important win in the race for the European places.
Three points on the road! 🛣#LEIARS 🦊 1-3 ⚪️ (FT)
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 28, 2021
Overall it was just about the perfect day for Arsenal. They got the three points, players were rested and Thomas Partey got another 20 minutes under his belt as he steps up his return from injury.
The win moves Arsenal up to ninth, just six points behind Chelsea in fifth with Burnley next up for the Gunners in the Premier League.
