Written by Aaron Jaffe
Arsenal were looking to continue their good start while Leicester City were searching for a first win after letting a two goal lead slip against Brentford.
The game looked sealed before the interval with Arsenal’s star man Gabriel Jesus securing a quick brace. William Saliba’s unfortunate own goal was quickly cancelled out by Granit Xhaka, who capitalised on Danny Ward’s mistake.
It looked like the packed Emirates Stadium was ready for a nervy ending when James Maddison slotted it past Aaron Ramsdale, but Gabriel Martinelli made it four with a neat finish with 15 minutes to go.
Arsenal
Aaron Ramsdale - 7/10
Despite conceding twice, his only real fault was not preventing Maddison’s goal from a tight angle. Didn’t have much to do and was excellent with distribution.
Ben White - 6/10
Playing out of position yet again while Takehiro Tomiyasu makes his return from injury, he won 3/4 aerial duels but lost the header that lead to the Saliba OG.
William Saliba - 7/10
His own goal was unfortunate and could’ve been avoided, but his reaction, distribution and interceptions were crucial and is what the Gunners needed.
Gabriel - 7/10
A solid performance again by the Brazilian, with some excellent recoveries and aerial presence.
Oleksandr Zinchenko - 9/10
Simply didn’t put a foot wrong. 96% accurate passing rate in 77 minutes played, with some key passes and nutmegs that excited the fans.
Thomas Partey - 7/10
Remained good in the air and physically, he dominated midfield with Granit and supplied some excellent passes out wide to the key men.
Granit Xhaka - 9/10
A goal and an assist for the Swiss man who deserved nothing less. He covered Zinchenko well when he pushed forwards and was in the right positions when attacking, while also being unlucky to not have two goals when he hit the post.
Bukayo Saka - 7/10
He was the highlight of last season, but now he has help and was excellent as a playmaker and not having to be the finisher as well. He made three chances for the Gunners including one key chance and his distribution to the other forwards was top class as always.
Martin Ødegaard - 8/10
The Norwegian’s first PL home game as captain was very successful, with some intelligent dribbling as expected and some eye-catching passing. Despite not recording any goals or assists, he was immense in midfield for the Gunners.
Gabriel Martinelli - 8/10
It’s now two goals in two games for the 21-year-old, who looks to be a real threat for any club that tries to defend him. His chance creating and ability to finish anything off was proven and will be tested in the duration of the season.
Gabriel Jesus - 9/10
The new signing joins compatriot Martinelli with two goals under his belt, and it could’ve been easily double that amount. With two goals and two assists, Jesus was easily man of the match and the standout player for Arsenal.
He was outstanding in all aspects and even though he scored a brace, his mentality considering he was frustrated at not taking all the chances he had is exactly what the Gunners need to propel them into Champions League spots come the end of the season.
Substitutes
Takehiro Tomiyasu - 6/10
Didn’t make much of an impact but did well on his return from injury, replacing Ben White.
Kieran Tierney - 6/10
Got another 15 minutes under his belt, but with Zinchenko impressing, it doesn’t look like the LB spot is going to be given up by the Ukrainian.
Emile Smith Rowe & Eddie Nketiah - N/A
Both substitutes were made with little time left on the clock, Nketiah coming closest forcing a good save out of Ward.
Leicester City
Danny Ward - 5/10
Some excellent saves to deny Xhaka, Jesus, Saka and Martinelli from an annihilation, but also some mistakes including for the third goal makes it difficult for the new Foxes number one.
Daniel Amartey - 6/10
Some good distribution and ball retention, but was beaten easily by the opposition who punished the weak defence.
Jonny Evans - 5/10
A game to forget, despite making the most passes in the team, was beaten constantly by Jesus and provided little cover for the other defenders which was ultimately punished.
Wesley Fofana - 5/10
In potentially one of his last games for the Foxes, he was turned in and out by Martinelli who got the better out of him, but still won the most physical duels in the match.
James Justin - 6/10
Playing at left wing-back, or more left midfield, Justin adapted well and was important going forward and speeding up play. However, defensively he wasn’t there to cover Amartey and therefore can only deserve a six.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall - 6/10
The midfielder has set high standards in his last few games, but he didn’t quite live up to it, and was absent most of the game, losing most of the duels that he went into.
Wilfred Ndidi - 7/10
If there is one man that should be credited it is Ndidi. Despite having the least amount of touches, his tackles were crucial in saving the Foxes from a total thrashing. A main highlight was when Jesus was through on goal and he got back in time with a perfect slide tackle.
Youri Tielemans - 5/10
For someone that was so heavily linked with Arsenal, he certainly didn’t impress much at the Emirates. His distribution was poor for his standards and he wasn’t involved as heavily as usual in the match, resulting in him being substituted after only 63 minutes.
Timothy Castagne - 6/10
The Belgian did well to cover Fofana, with seven recoveries and three key clearances. He didn’t manage to test Arsenal’s left side though, with Zinchenko getting the better of him on most occasions.
James Maddison - 8/10
When the Foxes are down, Maddison continues to lift them up. His performance was superb, with a lovely finish to credit it through the legs of Ramsdale. He continues to be an annoyance to any defence, being fouled 5 times in the match.
Jamie Vardy - 6/10
A quiet match for the veteran striker, albeit he was awarded a penalty but was reversed by VAR after there was little to no contact with Aaron Ramsdale. Apart from that, he didn’t take his chance and therefore nothing to boost his rating.
Substitutes
Dennis Praet - 6/10
Brought on to replace Youri Tielemans, he didn’t have much impact but it was clear that they needed more attacking threat to try bring the game back level.
Patson Daka - 6/10
A disappointing cameo for the Zambian as he only managed to take one shot playing in the striker position. He will be wanting to prove that he can get back into the starting XI, after some impressive performances last season.
Kelechi Iheanacho - 7/10
Exactly what Brendan Rodgers needed, but too late. Created chances and got an assist, but the goal was cancelled out by Gabriel Martinelli only minutes later. Having played only 20 minutes, he was one of the standouts in the Leicester team on Saturday.