Arsenal escaped a last-gasp heartache as they secured a 4-2 win over Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. The game was inching towards another draw and could have been Gunner’s third in four games.
However, two last-minute goals helped the Gunners move to third place in the points table. They are now level on points with Manchester City and one behind league leaders Liverpool.
Brazilian attacker Gabriel Martinelli took them ahead in the 20th minute before turning provider to Leandro Trossard just before the break.
A big win in N5 🍿
Enjoy the highlights from today’s dramatic 4-2 victory over Leicester City 👇 pic.twitter.com/JW0LKCKb74
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 28, 2024
The Foxes went all guns blazing in the second half. James Justin’s deflected header found the back of the net in the 47th minute and later hit an exceptional volley on the 63rd minute that hit the inner woodwork and went flying into the net.
Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen was on fire with 13 saves to his name, and it was looking as if the visitors would escape with a point.
But Trossard bundled home via Wilfred Ndidi before Kai Havertz scored a tap-in through a last-minute counterattack, both goals being scored after the 93rd minute mark.
BUKAYO SAKA SHINES IN DRAMATIC VICTORY AGAINST LEICESTER
The Englishman was involved in several attacking moves in the first half. He had his shot saved by Hermansen in the 15th minute. Later, he released Martinelli, but the South American’s poor first touch let him down.
Saka was again involved in the 19th minute as he found Jurrien Timber in acres of space before the Dutch star sent a low delivery into the Leicester Box. The ball found Martinelli after passing through several defenders, and the left-winger’s scuffled strike found the back of the net.
Bukayo Saka is the first player in the last nine seasons at least to complete 8+ take-ons, create 8+ chances and have 8+ touches in the opp. box in a Premier League game. 🌶️ pic.twitter.com/s4IlcMtOHg
— Squawka (@Squawka) September 28, 2024
Saka was actively pushing for a goal, sneaking in spaces and showing excellent footwork. He had his shots saved by the opposition goalkeeper in the second half, and some of those even made their way towards an Arsenal player lurking in the box.
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Just as the game was about to end, the academy product whipped a dangerous cross into the box that found Trossard on the back post. The Belgian made no mistake in striking the ball that hit Ndidi and snuck into the net.
SAKA DENIED HISTORIC PREMIER LEAGUE FEAT
Surprisingly, the Arsenal star was denied the honour of becoming the first player to assist in all six opening Premier League games. His assist has been taken away as it was an own goal by Ndidi.
It was a record not even Thierry Henry, Kevin de Bruyne, or Cristiano Ronaldo managed to break. Arsenal legend Henry provided five assists in the 2004/05 historic run.
That shot is on target, Arsenal need to appeal man. Saka has been robbed an assist and Trossard a goal ffs https://t.co/Bkvquj5MYN
— Nuance (@sakamvent) September 29, 2024
It was an achievement that even Ryan Giggs PL’s leading assist maker (162) couldn’t do. Although it was deemed an own goal, there is no taking away Saka’s all-round display on Saturday.
The right-winger’s influence helped the side maintain their 40 PL match unbeaten run at home against the newly promoted sides. They had 36 shots in the match, 16 on target (both being joint highest on record since the 2003/04 campaign).
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The 23-year-old will hope to make amends in Arsenal’s next clash at home vs. Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.
