A lot of uncertainty was in the news about Nigel Pearson's future. Rumours said he was sacked before the match but he was still in charge. And his players looked like they were willing to put up a fight for their manager. Within minutes they had come close to opening the scoring when Mahrez’s shot deflected just wide, and the Algerian had another chance soon afterwards but flashed a fierce drive across the face of goal. The feeling was there that this match was not one for the taking. However Mesut Ozil, in sparkling form, put a through ball for Walcott reminiscent of the old Ozil. Walcott tried to dink the ball over the keeper but failed. The warning signs about the quality of the Arsenal players was there to see for the Leicester players. The next chance again created by Ozil, as he combined beautifully with Alexis and then with a trick went past a Leicester defender before poking an attempt at goal that Schwarzer had to save. From the resultant corner Arsenal took the lead. Ozil picked out Koscielny with a wonderful cross and Koscielny had a tap in of which he made no mistake. Still the impressive Algerian, Mahrez kept threatening the Arsenal defence and had a few attempts that were just off target. Arsenal doubled the lead, yet again some what against the run of play. Ozil had a mighty whack of the ball from 25 yards and Schwarzer could only parry it to the lurking Walcott who scored on the volley. Yet another goal for Theo on his return from injury. The first half ended Arsenal 2-0 Leicester. Leicester were playing like the Stoke of old and Alexis had already fallen casualty to one of Upson's wild tackles.
Arsenal started much the better side in the second half. First claims for a penalty for a clear handball fell to deaf ears and then Rosicky had a volley that flashed just wide. Kramaric brought a good save off Ospina. He made amends soon however scoring after a scramble from a corner. Cazorla then had a left footed drive well saved before Mahrez missed another chance for Leicester. Sanchez was taken off unable to continue. Ramsey and Giroud were brought on. But Ramsey yet again suffered a hamstring injury that effectively will rule him out for 4 weeks. Not something we needed right now. Kramaric was put through by Mahrez but Leicester's record signing tried to chip over Ospina when the better option was to place the ball. That was the best chance for them but they messed it. Mertesacker was a rock at the back often stepping up to atone for Koscielny's errors. It finished 2-1. Not the most convincing of performances, but the 3 points in the bag and a late Balotelli winner at Anfield and we entered the top 4 even if just temporarily.
PLAYER RATINGS
13: David Ospina (6): Starting to underperform. Should not have been beaten at his near post that easily.
39: Hector Bellerin (6.5): Initially was exposed badly as Walcott did not help him. Grew in the 2nd half and put a better shift.
4: Per Mertesacker (7.5): Made a mistake in the last review by rating Koscielny in his place and vice versa! Won everything aerially and made 7 clearances.
6: Laurent Koscielny (7.5): Scored the goal and had a great game defensively.
18: Nacho Monreal (7): Yet another 7/10 display by the Spaniard who is looking as one of the most consistent performers in the team.
34: Francis Coquelin (7): Looked very casual at times and not his usual performance. Was OK.
19: Santi Cazorla (6): Struggled to get going. Did have one decent attempt. But that was all he did the whole game.
7: Tomas Rosicky (6.5): Provided the energy in midfield.
14: Theo Walcott (5.5): Scored a goal but was shocking otherwise. Missed one clear chance and struggled to get into the game. He attempted just 9 passes and had fewer touches than Giroud who was a substitute.
11: Mesut Ozil (8): His first half performance was a 9/10. Scintillating at times and was in hand for both goals. Faded away in the 2nd half. But yet again a very hard working performance from him.
17: Alexis Sanchez (5): Easily his worst game for us. Struggled for the entire match and not helped by Upson's rash tackle.
SUBSTITUTES:
12: Olivier Giroud (6): Tried to have an impact.
16: Aaron Ramsey (6): Came on and then got injured and got subbed.
20: Flamini (N/A): Replaced Ramsey and made one good tackle.
HIGHLIGHTS: