Ranieri made big mistakes tactically in this game If he wanted to play 4-4-1 and completely isolate Vardy then he had to keep Mahrez on the pitch. Otherwise he needed to keep 2 up top. 4-4-1 without Mahrez was suicide and they were very lucky not to concede the 2nd goal sooner. Big mistake not playing 4-4-1 with Mahrez right side (Okazaki goes off for Wasilewski) or 4-3-2 (4-3-2 means leaving Okazaki on and bring on King for Albrighton earlier instead of the Gray for Okazaki change). Also, it's a shame. But Wasilewski threw away the game giving a silly free kick away at the end. For me that should go down as an error leading to a goal. And the big centre backs should have all been around the penalty spot to defend the set pieces and they weren't. It was as if they were trying to defend the set piece man to man instead of zonally, which was a big mistake by the players. A set piece from that position has to be attacked by the defence and defended zonally
Leicester were outfoxed yesterday and completely dominated from the whistle by Arsenal. Arsenal created so many goalscoring chances but there was not much finishing. The penalty was EPL refereeing standards. Referees have been same poor level all their existence, in other words EPL Refs are $hite! To say Arsenal were lucky is completely untrue. Arsenal scored 2 genuine goals from team effort. Leicester in the other hand scored a penalty that was gifted to them. I also know that Leicester have had many penalties awarded this season purely because they know how to fall to the ground in the box. Arsenal should have had 2 penalties but were awarded none! Simpson's sending off was correct. his foul on Giroud and prior to that he fouled Sanchez like 3-4 times. he was on a yellow and he got himself a second yellow for no reason! The better team in the day won!
@albgunn fact is the ref only booked simpson the first time because sanchez, who i admire as a player, was holding the invisible yellow card up. disgusting behaviour which never happened in our game until continenteal players appeared in our league. and as for ramsay , ok he got caught , but 4 full rolls and then jumping up in an instant... i never knew wales was on the continent. ive never known our welshman andy king do that lol
Laughed so hard after Welbeck's goal. How much joy was when Arsenal, playing 11 vs 10, finally scored a goal at 90+4 against a team with a 20 times less valuation. Arsenal destined for failure with this coach, after good win will lose to some Soton 0:4. God, Leicester deserves to be a champion more than any other team in EPL
The tension in this match was amazing while watching it. While i feel the sending off was correct as Simpson was silly, it robbed us of seeing a truly even match of eleven V eleven in which i believe Leicester would have won. It was great to see Welbeck score after being injured for nearly a year.
fair play to arsenal , they kept going and got the winner . but im proud of my team of brave foxes , steve and all the other gooners can dress it up how they like, but we all know 11v11 there was only ever gonna be one winner.
it was nice to see danny welbeck back and daniel sturridge but as roy will only take 4 strikers to the euros , these two have fallen way down the pecking order behind rooney , kane and vardy , so it will be interesting to see who grabs that 4th spot in the squad. well done arsenal and spurs , on todays showings i fear spurs much more than the gunners.
@Foxeyrod- As for Welbeck, if he's fit, he will be in the England squad guaranteed. Hodgson is a fan and rewards England performances even if a player is out of form with their club, Danny has an excellent goalscoring record for England despite starting only 2 or 3 games in the #9 position (leading goalscorer in the Euros qualifying along with Lewandowski before he was injured if I remember correctly) and is versatile, hard working and a bloke everybody in the dressing room likes. Rooney and Kane will be there if everybody is fit because Wayne is the captain and Kane is our only true target man so it's out of Vardy and Sturridge if there's to be only 4 strikers. Vardy leading the league in goals means nothing because it's an entirely different game to the international one and England play a different style to Leicester. Sturridge will likely be injured anyway so it's a moot debate.
@Foxeyrod- How can you possibly make that assumption given Arsenal were, in typical fashion, dominating- even 11 v 11 and creating chances (which we missed)? It's nice you're so confident of your team, it shows the remarkable turnaround Ranieri has done and regardless of whether you win the league or not, Ranieri is my manager of the season but you shouldn't have been 1-0 in the first place so essentially we were dominating you at 0-0. Leicester did well but we aren't City. We created genuine goalscoring chances against your defence when you had everybody but Vardy behind the ball, and we missed a couple of good ones in the first half (bottom in the league at converting chances) so I don't know how you can assume because you were contentiously 1-0 at the 54th minute mark, you would've automatically gone on to win even though there were what amounted to 40 minutes left in the game.
@Foxeyrod thanks a lot. This is the difference between foxies fans and some other crying fans. I m asking my self if what simpson did , is done by agooner defender. I have only 1 answer : they will say " its a harsh decision which change the match".
(part 3)
I can see a correlation in this year's premier league between in excess penalties won (for minus against) and table position, with the bottom of the table having the opposite pattern.It makes sense in a way since most top table teams are gonna be attacking and most sides in the bottom half are gonna be defending against better oppositions.That is one case though or is it the other way around excess penalties are indeed having a sizable impact on each club's ranking position-your thoughts.Judging by leicester I would say is the second case since a counter-attacking side usually does not enjoy a great time on the opposing third but on other teams the first case might apply better.
Finally there is also a strong correlation between title holders on previous seasons and penalties awarded,which is a sad fact since that pattern cannot be that justifiably strong for any fair play reason.Much to be done about referees and players exagerating but overall the facts are sad for me
@McKonidas The difference between Arsenal and Leicester overall is that Arsenal are soft mentally and Leicester have conviction. Penalties can have a deciding factor in games of course but Leicester aren't losing 4-0 to Southampton, for example. They also had a good shout for another penalty.
@McKonidas Never read so much rubbish in my life. Where's the nearest bin? It should be blatantly obvious that title winning teams create opportunities where they will either score goals or be brought down in the box thus being awarded a penalty. (Barcelona v Celta Vigo today for example). Are you going to say Vardy's record of scoring in almost every game is fake and he shouldn't be considered to be in the England squad because it's all down to refereeing decisions? What on planet Earth are you smoking/drinking? What was your excuse for their demolition of Man City? Leicester City are a breath of fresh air for the neutrals, football in general and all fans sick and tired of this out of control spending culture & I for one will join in the celebrations if they win the League.
@Red_Card They are playing better that the other overall and are very success driven like most previous title holders ,that those extra points needed to secure the title might be as well obtained in difficult situations by abusing the penalty. Is it clear now? If you can respond, respond in a critical manner and after seen my arguments, irrelevant things and saying something just to get it out of your head will only make you look stupid. Goodmorning.
@Red_Card Hard to read and even harder to understand what I am saying. But a morron will not even bother to do either of them. Anyway you can read on my comment above that I already credit the excess penalties won by what you mention as a counterargument to my argument, thus that top teams attack more. Sometimes though I say penalties will be attempted to be abused by top teams as well as other teams and have the opposite effect instead of being won because you attack more they rather abuse their ability to attack and win some of them by diving to promote their already good run and have an edge on tight situations . Also this year leicester is mostly counter-attacking while sides like arsenal-spurs-city are dominating possession but still have 1/3 of penalties awarded to foxes, isnt that weird according to your line of thought? Vardy is a good player and I do not discredit leicester overall,I am saying a title run will need a number of excess penalties to be successful.
(part 2)
but is enough to enable the striker to fall down and make it look as the touch would inevitably bring him down although if any of you have played football could rather feel that the fall was not justifiable from your playing experience and it was rather forced either by a misstep or a deliberate touch with the defender-keeper.
By no means I am trying to accuse leicester of match fixing, I rather accuse referies for naive thinking and decision making which ultimately might judge the premier league title holder. When things are tight as this season, lets say 5 more penalties than city or spurs and 7 from arsenal (1)ref below, although I cannot say all of them were awarded that way 1-2 penalties that way can turn a one pointer into a win and ultimately judge the champion.
(Part 1)
As an Arsenal fan I would say it was a good win although the 1st half was disappointing. My main point though is gonna be about Vardy winning the penalty rather than referee awarding it.
After the final whistle blew and the relief it brought, I kinda made a flashback of the season so far and wondered if Arsenal has even been awarded a penalty. Going back every match I found two penalties awarded and one of them converted. While my feeling - and indeed correctly- was that Leicester has been awarded many more, 9 indeed.
Checked a few of them and they seem to be almost the same case as this one today. Vardy or another player running in the penalty box, a defender or keeper tries to interrupt them and while close on losing possession a good dive follows (a good dive for me is when although there is a touch between defender and striker is not enough by laws of physics to bring him down , ---> part 2
i am an arsenal lover (not fan). I am so happy. we souffered a lot against Bournmouth, and today the same. we were about to lose the match,until simpson saved us.we received a goal, Peter saved us from 3 goals and we were 3 yellow carded. We felt quite inferior to LEICESTER.Ozil and Ramsey were lost in the first half .We paid 156 million £ to build our team,they paid 20 millions only. That means 1 leicester player=8 of our players. Or, in other word, 1 of our player=13% only of a FOXY player. This explain why we are so exited. If they pay only 40 m £ next year we should have Messi, Nymar,Suarez,CR7 and Heguain to face them. Spurs, Man u , Man c, Watford will let us cry again and again.
@daniyel the second goal in the last second. What a lucky team!! I dont know how to convince some people that by
the second of April Watford will kill their last hope of the Title.
ozil was fouled in the buildup to the vardy penalty which was a dive.
simpson second yellow was harsh.
drinkwater should have seen red, how can the ref miss that.
ref had a really poor game.
Well done Arsenal, who have a hoodoo on Leicester. Big result, but big games to follow. A run is needed. Also, need someone else to beat Leicester, it can be done!
What an exciting match, I probably aged for three years! Leicester made this very entertaining by playing with surprisingly high line at times in the first half. There were obviously few controversial decisions by Atkinson, but at least this match had everything in it. Arsenal was bad at finishing as usual but it doesn't matter as long as you are able to win. Kante surely made it hard for Arsenal, wonderful scouting by Leicester!
@Castle kante deserves to be MOM. BIG BIG role in the midfield specially in the 1st half . 3 shots ,4 dibbles,6 tackles and 7 interceptions. he showed astunishing technics and energy. but also Giroud played very well. personnaly i would give 8.6 to sanchez other than ozil. Because sanchez pushed Leicester players to their penalty area the whole second half and made them a lot of troubles.
@sampo I have to agree with Kante MOM. Sanchez's energy was important today but trying itself is not enough and he couldn't make a difference. Özil looked quiet too but had a standard performance after all with 6 key passes and 6 successful crosses out of 12. Incredible numbers.
I love how every comment which is positive towards Arsenal is downvoted on here, regardless of whether the fact it is spot on. Even when it's from non-Arsenal fans being objective saying exactly the same thing as the Arsenal fans. Gotta love the combination of internet access and low IQ. ;-)
@SteveHyland It's because everyone wants Leicester to be champions if their own team doesn't win it. Can't blame them for supporting Foxes, but it seems to make everyone basically blind. So nothing new for football.
@SteveHyland Personally I want Leicester to win the title since Liverpool have no chance of winning it, but this result was fair, no matter the controversy over the penalty and last gasp winner. If Leicester can't win it though, I want Wenger to be able to lift the trophy once more before he retires, he loves Arsenal with a passion and it would be awful for him not to end his career after a few successful years in succession. But hey, better than the Man U. fans that always try to act like they're about to win the league, I lmao everytime someone argues that they're doing better than Liverpool, when they've been lucky in most of their games and play like shit most of the time. LVG being an a-hole doesn't help either.
24 to 7 shots for Arsenal, possession 71 - 29, pass success 86 - 59, dribbles 16 - 8, aerials 31 ! -17, corners 11 -1 !
The deserved winner could only be Arsenal ...!
Mahrez must not out, if he stayed, lecester may lead by 2-0. big mistake.
many student class shots present by gunner!
I dont think they have great chance now, low performance.
they are look like rusty gun's gunner
@jayvin83 Ramsey was rusty, his passes just couldn't find their target when it was really needed. Sanchez should had scored, but I think he's getting there. Gunners didn't get enough shots on goal (and in goal) until late on, but they increased the tempo after red card which can be surprisingly hard when playing against 10.
I had a feeling Arsenal would win, they are really a great team and fun to watch. The only thing lacking is their finishing otherwise they might have managed to score sooner.
I mean, until the sending off they had managed 0 shots on target and total shots were 7-5. Arsenal indeed creates a lot of opportunities but lack the proper striker to finish them off. Being 11vs10 certainly made it easier in the end.
Fantastic! Welbeck's goal made even better by all the tears of Man U fans. Chambers did well considering how little he's played recently. And there was a challenge from Drinkwater on Ramsey that should have been a straight red, but Atkinson didn't even consider it foul.
Justified result. I don't know who that idiot Exti is below but even the Leicester fans said Vardy dived not to mention the Morgan foul on Oezil, Mahrez's meal-making in the 2nd half, Drinkwater's disgusting leg-breaking challenge on Ramsey and Kante's constant fouling. Only Simpson got what he deserved card-wise and so many of the Leicester players I've admired this season have gone down drastically in my estimation. Ranieri wouldn't have told them to behave like that, it was like Stoke in the Pulis days. Glad to see Welbeck come back and score after his injury and obviously glad we won.
@SteveHyland Justified result is what I can agree with. You should be doing your homework for tomorrow's school lessons instead of delivering some childish personal insults. I didn't try to say anywhere that Vardy didn't dive, sure, he could have got over Monreal's leg. I believe each of Kante's prolific tackles in the first half was a foul to you. Drinkwater's challenge was just as disgusting as the one for which Ramsey got yellow card in the first half. The tackle on Kante before the penalty was by no means pretty either. There were ugly fouls on both sides. I believe it can be difficult but you could at least try to be a little objective instead of all the hatred.
@Exti- You're clearly not a fan of irony moaning about insults directly after delivering one yourself. If you make idiotic comments, you are therefore an idiot so it's not an insult, merely an observation based on deductive logic. I don't need to say anything in reply, it's clear from your initial comment below that you have an anti-Arsenal bias. Read the comments from non-Arsenal fans on here regarding my examples. They agree with me for the most part so, by default, the general consensus is that you're wrong. Kante's fouling is the only one which has yet to be mentioned but that could be because I had a better view than on tv (or the ref :-p ). It has nothing to do with a lack of objectivity because I have criticised Arsenal many times in the past, you are just wrong. Calling Sanchez a diver when ever since his Udinese days he has been known as a player who gets kicked all over the park yet never goes down without contact or ever instigates contact himself will do you no favours.
@Exti- You're clearly not a fan of irony. Moaning about personal insults after delivering one yourself. I think it's evident from the way I write my comments that I'm not a dumb teenager. I would say if you make idiotic comments, you are therefore an idiot so it's not an insult, merely an observation. I don't really need to say anymore since your comments below reek of a anti-Arsenal bias. Read all the comments from non-Arsenal fans on here, they agree with me for the most part so therefore the general consensus is that you are wrong. Kante is the only example that hasn't yet been mentioned, but that could be because I had a clearer view than what may've been seen on tv. In every other regard you are simply wrong. There is no debate. Ditto for calling Sanchez a diver when he is known around the world, ever since his Udinese days, as somebody who gets kicked all over the park yet doesn't go down without contact or by instigating contact himself. He therefore does not "dive".
@Beastador- If they get into the champions league, they will have pulling power that they didn't last season. As it is they defend better than 99% of teams in the champions league but also attack. so some additions and providing they keep their best players, they wont lose 3, 4 or 5-0 against anyone barring the cream when they're playing at their best (Bayern, Barcelona).
@SteveHyland Maybe I am underestimating them but i think they will get destroyed if they come up against a decent side such as dortmund, benfica, napoli, sevilla
This doesn't take away anything from Leicester City. They all play their hearts out in every single game and they are all champions for me. For me the sending off was unfair but on the other hand, Drinkwater should have been sent off with that horrible challenge.
Kante has been really impressive this season. For me he is good enough to play for any team in the world.
@SteveHyland Oh, and if you can't be objective yourself, go read some objective analysis, for example you-are-the-ref.com, people for sure much smarter than you (or me) explaining things there. Do yourself and us a favor.
@Exti I heard that Henry commented that it doesn't state in the rule book that players should try to bypass a defender. But that doesn't make sense right? With that logic, one has to only put the ball past defender and run at him and make a contact, which is basically what Vardy did. But I think Atkinson noticed his mistake and compensated it a little in second half.
@Castle- You are allowed to maintain your original run, yes, but Vardy ran into Monreal to initiate contact so quite clearly not a foul. I honestly don't see where Atkinson compensated in the 2nd half. Some examples please? Retrospective action will be taken against Drinkwater. It's not the first time Atkinson has botched a straight red card decision. I'm thinking Cahill twice and Barnes last season. Mahrez was lucky to escape a yellow for what Atkinson himself saw as a dive.
@SteveHyland Vardy ran straight over Monreal is what I was saying and Atkinson went for a trick. I consider Atkinson was slightly compensating when he sent Simpson off or at least it made the decision to be easier. I'm not 100 % sure he would have given second yellow in normal situation. Sent off wasn't undeserved but you don't see them very often in games this huge. But that's just my own opinion in which I try to be as objective as I just can. And conciliatory, of course.
@SteveHyland Very objective analysis, hm, you for sure can't be Arsenal fan, right? :D Morgan-Özil was a 50/50 and Vardy sure made the foul more dramatic but Monreal put his leg on the way, there was contact, the more popular decision in such cases is penalty, like it or not. Besides, while having Sanchez in the team, complaining about diving sounds simply retarded. But hey, Arsenal fans..
@Exti- You're obviously blind and/or stupid. Vardy INITIATED contact so it's a dive. It doesn't matter if Monreal's leg was there, he didn't foul Jamie. Pires got rightfully lambasted by the media for doing the same thing against Portsmouth at Highbury a years ago. This was the same thing but Vardy is English so nobody says the D word. Morgan was absolutely nowhere near the ball so it was a foul. He was never going to get the ball either so not a 50-50. They are 2 decisions with absolutely NO debate attached. Sanchez is actually the most legitimately fouled player in the league and also the player who stays on his feet the most. Do try to have some clue what you're talking about, you sound like somebody who has never watched football til today.
@SteveHyland By stating that Sanchez "stays on his feet the most" you confirmed who is blind and stupid. Monreal put his leg on Vardy's way, don't know how hard can that concept be to understand. There was contact, Monreal didn't get the ball, therefore reasonable decision. Morgan was obviously contesting for the ball and other similar situations were also not considered as a foul.
@Exti He did confirm who was stupid, but plot twist, it's not Steve. It's obviously you. I have seen Sanchez play since he was at Barca, and he became my favorite La Liga player for two reasons: flair and staying on his feet. He is like Messi, always fouled but hardly ever goes down. BTW, it doesn't matter if Morgan was contesting for the ball or not, a foul is a foul and it should have been given.
In last fixture Cazorla and Sanchez made the difference. With Santi out and Alexis not back at his best, you may expect much tighter match. However, I find a draw very unlikely, this match will be won and lost in a way or another. 2-1 for Arsenal, I expect them to be much more focused than in lazy showing against Bournemouth.
The form dat Leicester brings to d Emirates is enough to motivate Wenger to prepare well for them. If Arsenal treats them with respect, three points remain at d Emirates.
any title contender without a way to cancel out or outwit Leicester counter attacking style is not going to win EPL
Man city, Tottenham have failed, & it is hard to see them winning EPL especially with Europe resuming next week. Gunners must win this one to; peg Leicester back & dent their confidence on fair tale EPL likely triumph. If arsenal fail they will not only have hurt their fans, but those Leicester doubters. The game is not title decider but carries huge belief and confidence for the winners.
Hahaha. A team that has lost only 2 games since the league started to Arsenal 2-5 and 1-0 to Liverpool. They come in this game to avenge thier fast last encounter where they lost 2-5. Leicester again has been proving doubters wrong. A team with that statistics speaks for its own. They are motivated. Confident. And Leicester away form Blazing I SAY leceister win or Draw.
Leicester have gone from title favourites to 2nd favourites overnight despite any of the top 4 having played. I don't believe flow of money should influence odds myself since it should be all down to probability. Bit harsh on Leicester.
If Wenger starts Walcott upfront instead of Giroud then Huth and Morgan would have all sorts of problems like they did in the first fixture. With Walcott, Sanchez, Ox upfront and Ozil in between them, I see Leicester panicking at the back. Giroud will slow the game in Arsenal's 3rd quarter and this where Kante and Drinkwater will await to regain possession of the ball and move it forward to Mahrez and Vardy upfront. Leicester we all know they are terrible at ball possession and they hunt the ball in packs instead of keeping like Arsenal would. Arsenal play the ball better but Leicester have more clinical finishing and have Drinkwater and Kante as the probably the best ball collectors and interceptors in the league this season! Wenger give Walcott the start and see how the game plays, Giroud has always scored as a sub! a team like Leicester cannot be faced with slow paced players and Mertesacker and Giroud are great players but will be Arsenal's weak link if they start! COYG!
I dont think it will be 5:2 again but I am pretty confident Arsenal will win by a 2 goal margin, 2:0/3:1 the likely outcome, Coquelin was spared for last time only to be fully fit for this game and he's three times the player Flamini is as we've seen it before. the only man missing from the previous thumping of Leicester is Santi Cazorla. Ramsey can do really well if he was in his day. COYG!
I know we're both fighting for the title, but whatever happens, it's impossible not to like Leicester and Ranieri, unless you're a solid plastic Chelsea fan. If we can't win the title, it would be awesome if Leicester could.
@messinho u r right. They r always no.4. They r not made to be no.1
. You might mean arsenal former player no.4 who dominated Europe in chance creating and assists during his 5 years in
Arsenal .But couldn't raise the trophy despite big money plus henry,bergkamp,adebayor, he went to chelsea and in 1 season plus very injured striker plus another very old and touthless striker that was enoph to get the title . Even with mask he still the top midfielder ,Arsenal former No4.
A 3-3 prediction is... quite bold! It seems like you're relying on extreme circumstances whenever there's a scoreline like that. I don't see this game being back and forth like that because both teams have what it takes to hold the other at bay if they go in front. Arsenal have to win - that certainly helps Leicester. Nevertheless I think Arsenal will win 1-0.
This game for me hinges on one certain thing, if Wenger plays BFG he will get creamed over and over by Vardy's pace and i would expect to see Leicester to win 1-3. If Wenger plays Gabriel i still don't see Arsenal winning but the game being a draw 1-1
@rogue- When we don't play an ultra high line (ie- camped on the half-way line when attacking) and Bellerin's positioning is where it should be for a RB, Mertesacker's lack of pace is rarely an issue. Koscielny's failure to play the offside trap is more of 1 tbph. I highly doubt we'll play such a high line against Leicester with their counter attacking prowess. They can't play possession football so if we take the obvious counter-attacking areas away (over the heads of the CBs and down the wings of the full-back furthest forward) then conceding from open play will be less likely. Wenger has a bit of a blind spot when it comes to Chelsea, which is why we played so high against them leading to Per's red card. In those instances, of course a lack of pace will cause severe problems but the tackle was the final part of a string of errors leading to that situation. It's too simplistic to say Per's tackle was THE reason. The way Gabriel played against Bournemouth, I'd be shocked if he starts.
@SteveHyland, i really don't see it being Koscielny's failure to play the offside trap. Every time i have watched Arsenal play this season when Koscielny and Mertersacker have started, Mertersacker plays about 5 yards further back than Koscielny as he is concious of his lack of pace, this immediately causes problems trying to play any form of offside. I'm not saying Mertersacker is a bad player, the guy is a world cup winner but, the premiership is all about pace and speed of play, and Mertersacker is a prime target for any striker with pace. With Wenger choosing to play the 4-2-3-1 system The left and right back are always going to bomb on, it's the nature of the system.
@rogue Any defender is in trouble when he's exposed. And Mertesacker surely isn't a player who likes to cover his team mates mistakes with twenty yard run and sliding tackle. Since it's somewhat Arsenal's habit to loose the ball in dangerous areas it's reasonable to suggest Gabriel to start this match. But otherwise our defense has worked very well and with Coquelin back stopping opponent's counter attacks, it's unlikely Arsenal will concede three even if Merte starts. Furthermore, defending in Premier League isn't about pace, just look at John Terry who's had great career without legs!
@rogue- Regarding the full-backs bombing on, I realise that's intentional- and important given we often play with 2 wingers who come inside, but too often Bellerin is too far forward when DEFENDING. His positioning has been a lot better this season, but when you have the defensive line we have, terrible shifting (either another intentional ploy or a 5-year mistake which hasn't been rectified) and a slow RCB, you need the RB to be in the right starting place and still too often he isn't. I think I'm right in saying he has been the furthest forward of all RBs in the league this season in terms of average position. It helps us offensively of course, which is primarily (exclusively?) what Wenger cares about but it leaves inviting spaces. If only we had a positionally-astute defender as an assistant coach to iron these problems out...
@rogue- I didn't necessarily mean the Costa instance, I meant in general, and specifically in instances where the 2 CBs haven't been intentionally placed where they were. For example, Per is often furthest forward "meeting the ball" when we're attacking/dominating teams and, as a general rule, are sitting high up the pitch. This is actually the reverse when Gabriel plays instead of Per because he is quicker than Kos. When we're defensive, Per is often level or further back for the reason you mentioned. However, both are intentional ploys from Wenger because Koscielny's pace can cover round the back of Per and Per generally has better positioning so marshals the back 4. I dislike it but that's what Arsene likes so I wouldn't blame either player for essentially doing what they were told. In general though when an offside trap hasn't worked, it has been Kos' fault. Kane's goal for Spurs at the Emirates etc.
I don't why People expect Leicester to win against Arsenal maybe the Man city game is the reference
Arsenal aren't like Man city, and we should know that the board of directors made a terrible mistake by saying that Guardiola will take on city's helm in public that truly affect the players (it's a point of view after all)
I think Arsenal to win this game
Arsenal have been more solid at the back recently, a part from that red card agaisnt chelsea. They also lead the league with 12 clean sheets. If Gabriel starts, then him and Kosc will be able to handle Vardy and co. Be interesting t osee if the Ox starts on the right, who I believe will be able to out muscle Fuchs. Out of 14 meetings ranieri has only ever beaten wenger once, not that it's relevant. Going for 2-1 to Arsenal.
IT'S A VERY IMPORTANT MATCH FOR LEICESTER. because if the foxes win they will be far a head of 2 or 3 contenders at the same day (Arsenal) and (City or Tottenham or both). 7 points at least.
@sampo A draw wouldn't be so bad for Leicester either. If they indeed draw and one of City/Spurs win it would mean that Leicester still leads by 3 points (1 game) with a decent goal difference.
Not to mention that the Foxes have a relatively easier schedule with no cup games coming.
I hope Leicester does win even though Arsenal's quality at home might prove too much (remember that they were one of the two teams to beat Leicester in the league this season).
This one is sure going to be a very entertaining game as involves 2 teams who play non-aggressive, non-defensive minded football. There's no way its going to finish goalless. Individual errors could decide the game. Both goalkeepers will have lots of work to do. I'd go for 3 - 1 to Arsenal, Cech MOTM. COYG!!!.
I've said it before, but our attackers need to start converting the chances Oezil provides. If they were converted at the same rate as Riyad Mahrez's, Mesut would have 24 league assists by now. Of the 4 players in Europe's top 5 leagues (well, the top 4 plus Ligue Un :-p ) who have double-figured number of assists (Oezil, Di Maria, Mahrez, Insigne- in order), Mesut has the worse conversion rate. If we were to recalculate the totals of the current top 8 players in terms of assists (all of those with 9 or more) using the best conversion rate (Mahrez, 4.1) we'd have: Oezil 24, Neymar 17, De Bruyne 16, Di Maria 15, Insigne 12, Mkhitaryan 12, Mahrez 10, Raffael 9. It just shows how well the Leicester players have done in making Riyad's great work count. Vardy's conversion rate (4.58) is better than everyone in Europe's top 5 leagues with 18+ goals barring Benzema (3.6), Aubameyang (3.8) and Ibrahimovic (4.39). Imagine if we had 5 or 6 stat-fodder teams like they have elsewhere!
@SteveHyland@SteveHyland what if mehrez has (Giroud,Walcott,Sanchez,Ramsey) all of them are very good goalscorers and Oezil has only Vardy (who has the total charge of the opponent defense on him)?. what would be the number of assists of Oezil ?. Mehrez does 3 HARD jobs at the same time (takes on + scoring+creating chances),Oezil uses 4 big names (4 opportunities) for converting chances. I THINK COMPARING MEHREZ WHO TOOK LEICESTER FROM (23rd) TO (1st), HELPED BY ENTHOSIASTES TEAMMATES, AGAINST OZIL WHO TOOK ARSENAL FROM ITS REGULAR PLACE (2nd or 3rd) TO (2nd or 3rd) IN THE LEAGE , IS A BIG STUPIDE INJUSTICE. I DO LOVE THE 2 PLAYERS BUT ASSISTS SHOULDN'T BE MAGNIFIED TO UNDERESTIMATE A KIND OF NEW (NYMARO-MESSI) PLAYER!!. FABREGAS (1ST HALF OF THE LAST SEASON'S RATE OF ASSISTS) WAS EXPECTED TO ALLOW HIM TO MAKE 32 ASSISTS. SEE BBC ARTICLE.
@sampo- I don't quite understand what you're saying. Mesut has created 99 chances compared to Mahrez's 41. Mesut has been bonafide world class for years and Mahrez thus far has had a good 2 thirds of a season in his WHOLE CAREER. There's no comparison to be made, Oezil is clearly better. I'm simply saying if our players had converted his chances like Leicester's have, in particular our main striker- whether it be Giroud (5.83 shots per goal) or Walcott (13.3 shots per goal), Mesut's assists stats would actually demonstrate how awesome he has been all season. The stats back me up.
@SteveHyland Özil indeed have created most scoring chances this season and Arsenal have been quite wasteful at times so you really have a point there. But comparing Arsenal's and Leicester's conversion rates probably isn't that simple. Arsenal aims to create lot of scoring opportunities and put some of them in. As result Özil makes lot of key passes, but not necessarily clear cut chances. Some of those are from difficult angle and often there are still two or three players around trying still to prevent the goal. Leicester game is based more of counter attacks of course, which means chances created by Mahrez tend to be easier to score (like through balls or attacks of 2 vs 2 or 3). As result they have less chances (as Leicester 13.3 shots/game to Arsenal's 15 slightly indicates) but chances are little more dangerous. So it could be expected that Leicester player's have quite good conversion rate.
@Castle- I get what you're saying but Mahrez has created marginally more chances as a result of a through-ball than Oezil and the conversion rates are similar. Arsenal have the worst conversion rate of "clear-cut" chances of every team in the league (32%, Leicester are 5th on 43%). At the begin of January, Giroud, Walcott and Ramsey were in the top 4 in clear-cut chances missed (26 between them) & Oezil had created 22 clear-cut chances. Not sure what the stats are now but if it's lower than 35 missed having watched those 3 cock-up regulation chances, mainly from Oezil, I'll be shocked. Mesut creates loads of chances from balls which could be described as "short-crosses". When you factor in the fact Mesut plays the ball in front of you with perfect weight and spin, they're basic chances- but we've made missing them an art-form! A conversion rate of 1 in 5 should be doable so 125% the assists he currently does have therefore double Mahrez's total.
@SteveHyland what if mehrez has (Giroud,Walcott,Sanchez,Ramsey) all of them are very good goalscorers and Oezil has only Vardy (who has the total charge of the opponent defense on him)?. what would be the number of assists of Oezil ?. Mehrez does 3 HARD jobs at the same time (takes on + scoring+creating chances),Oezil uses 4 big names (4 opportunities) for converting chances. I THINK COMPARING MEHREZ WHO TOOK LEICESTER FROM (23rd) TO (1st), HELPED BY ENTHOSIASTES TEAMMATES, AGAINST OZIL WHO TOOK ARSENAL FROM ITS REGULAR PLACE (2nd or 3rd) TO (2nd or 3rd) IN THE LEAGE , IS A BIG STUPIDE INJUSTICE. I DO LOVE THE 2 PLAYERS BUT ASSISTS SHOULDN'T BE MAGNIFIED TO UNDERESTIMATE A KIND OF NEW (NYMARO-MESSI) PLAYER!!. FABREGAS (1ST HALF OF THE LAST SEASON'S RATE OF ASSISTS) WAS EXPECTED TO ALLOW HIM TO MAKE 32 ASSISTS. SEE BBC ARTICLE.
i jumped on the leicster bandwagon and i cant get off it really hope they win the title and show that money cant buy you succsess hard work and committment can
1-2 to Leicester, Ranieri is a very able tactician and will adapt against the Arsenal to avoid another hammering. Remember, Leicester haven't lost in the league since September.
At least a 2-goal Arsenal win margin I feel. Our high line will look tempting to Leicester but I expect something similar to the game at the KP apart form we'll be tougher in the middle of the park and have Giroud up front which is better for our general attacking play. 3-1.
@TacticalMastermind2.0- Ha ha. I don't drink. :-p . I must admit, my prediction is a mix of heart and head but we thoroughly outgunned them at the KP (and nothing says because they tightened up against lesser attacks, they will also be able to do so away to us) plus we beat Bayern 2-0 at home when we knew we had to defend well and should've beat City by more than 2-1 but took our foot off the pedal at 2-0. Both those teams have attacking talent, on paper at least, as good and better than Leicester. We wont take them lightly being they've done so well thus far so the naivety we can show in important games shouldn't be shown here. Can't rule it out though! The bookies disagree with your prediction of a Leicester win incidentally. 11/1 for a 1-0 win are the shortest odds you'll find for a Leicester win of ANY score. Arsenal win is most likely and a 2-0 win 8/1. 3-1 gets longer odds though, 12/1.
Arsenal are in some ways the under dogs here. Leicester have tightened up defensively since the hiding Arsenal gave them earlier in the season. But the Gunners have the quality to pull this off. Arsenal have tended to come up with disciplined and fighting responses in big games this season when they have been the under dogs - think beating City, Bayern. Also, Arsenal have the best record against top six teams of all those top six. Leicester will as usual seek to defend deep and counter. Can Arsenal get the first and draw them out, where they will be easier to pick off? Last thing any one wants (well 'cept the Spuds and Mancity fans) is a draw. I'm going for a two niller, to Arsenal. COYG!
Ranieri made big mistakes tactically in this game If he wanted to play 4-4-1 and completely isolate Vardy then he had to keep Mahrez on the pitch. Otherwise he needed to keep 2 up top. 4-4-1 without Mahrez was suicide and they were very lucky not to concede the 2nd goal sooner. Big mistake not playing 4-4-1 with Mahrez right side (Okazaki goes off for Wasilewski) or 4-3-2 (4-3-2 means leaving Okazaki on and bring on King for Albrighton earlier instead of the Gray for Okazaki change). Also, it's a shame. But Wasilewski threw away the game giving a silly free kick away at the end. For me that should go down as an error leading to a goal. And the big centre backs should have all been around the penalty spot to defend the set pieces and they weren't. It was as if they were trying to defend the set piece man to man instead of zonally, which was a big mistake by the players. A set piece from that position has to be attacked by the defence and defended zonally
Leicester were outfoxed yesterday and completely dominated from the whistle by Arsenal. Arsenal created so many goalscoring chances but there was not much finishing. The penalty was EPL refereeing standards. Referees have been same poor level all their existence, in other words EPL Refs are $hite! To say Arsenal were lucky is completely untrue. Arsenal scored 2 genuine goals from team effort. Leicester in the other hand scored a penalty that was gifted to them. I also know that Leicester have had many penalties awarded this season purely because they know how to fall to the ground in the box. Arsenal should have had 2 penalties but were awarded none! Simpson's sending off was correct. his foul on Giroud and prior to that he fouled Sanchez like 3-4 times. he was on a yellow and he got himself a second yellow for no reason! The better team in the day won!
@albgunn man, calculate how much Arsenal is worth in $ and how much Leicester is... who is lucky here? lol
@albgunn fact is the ref only booked simpson the first time because sanchez, who i admire as a player, was holding the invisible yellow card up. disgusting behaviour which never happened in our game until continenteal players appeared in our league. and as for ramsay , ok he got caught , but 4 full rolls and then jumping up in an instant... i never knew wales was on the continent. ive never known our welshman andy king do that lol
Laughed so hard after Welbeck's goal. How much joy was when Arsenal, playing 11 vs 10, finally scored a goal at 90+4 against a team with a 20 times less valuation. Arsenal destined for failure with this coach, after good win will lose to some Soton 0:4. God, Leicester deserves to be a champion more than any other team in EPL
The tension in this match was amazing while watching it. While i feel the sending off was correct as Simpson was silly, it robbed us of seeing a truly even match of eleven V eleven in which i believe Leicester would have won. It was great to see Welbeck score after being injured for nearly a year.
fair play to arsenal , they kept going and got the winner . but im proud of my team of brave foxes , steve and all the other gooners can dress it up how they like, but we all know 11v11 there was only ever gonna be one winner. it was nice to see danny welbeck back and daniel sturridge but as roy will only take 4 strikers to the euros , these two have fallen way down the pecking order behind rooney , kane and vardy , so it will be interesting to see who grabs that 4th spot in the squad. well done arsenal and spurs , on todays showings i fear spurs much more than the gunners.
@Foxeyrod- As for Welbeck, if he's fit, he will be in the England squad guaranteed. Hodgson is a fan and rewards England performances even if a player is out of form with their club, Danny has an excellent goalscoring record for England despite starting only 2 or 3 games in the #9 position (leading goalscorer in the Euros qualifying along with Lewandowski before he was injured if I remember correctly) and is versatile, hard working and a bloke everybody in the dressing room likes. Rooney and Kane will be there if everybody is fit because Wayne is the captain and Kane is our only true target man so it's out of Vardy and Sturridge if there's to be only 4 strikers. Vardy leading the league in goals means nothing because it's an entirely different game to the international one and England play a different style to Leicester. Sturridge will likely be injured anyway so it's a moot debate.
@Foxeyrod- How can you possibly make that assumption given Arsenal were, in typical fashion, dominating- even 11 v 11 and creating chances (which we missed)? It's nice you're so confident of your team, it shows the remarkable turnaround Ranieri has done and regardless of whether you win the league or not, Ranieri is my manager of the season but you shouldn't have been 1-0 in the first place so essentially we were dominating you at 0-0. Leicester did well but we aren't City. We created genuine goalscoring chances against your defence when you had everybody but Vardy behind the ball, and we missed a couple of good ones in the first half (bottom in the league at converting chances) so I don't know how you can assume because you were contentiously 1-0 at the 54th minute mark, you would've automatically gone on to win even though there were what amounted to 40 minutes left in the game.
@Foxeyrod thanks a lot. This is the difference between foxies fans and some other crying fans. I m asking my self if what simpson did , is done by agooner defender. I have only 1 answer : they will say " its a harsh decision which change the match".
(part 3) I can see a correlation in this year's premier league between in excess penalties won (for minus against) and table position, with the bottom of the table having the opposite pattern.It makes sense in a way since most top table teams are gonna be attacking and most sides in the bottom half are gonna be defending against better oppositions.That is one case though or is it the other way around excess penalties are indeed having a sizable impact on each club's ranking position-your thoughts.Judging by leicester I would say is the second case since a counter-attacking side usually does not enjoy a great time on the opposing third but on other teams the first case might apply better. Finally there is also a strong correlation between title holders on previous seasons and penalties awarded,which is a sad fact since that pattern cannot be that justifiably strong for any fair play reason.Much to be done about referees and players exagerating but overall the facts are sad for me
@McKonidas The difference between Arsenal and Leicester overall is that Arsenal are soft mentally and Leicester have conviction. Penalties can have a deciding factor in games of course but Leicester aren't losing 4-0 to Southampton, for example. They also had a good shout for another penalty.
@McKonidas Never read so much rubbish in my life. Where's the nearest bin? It should be blatantly obvious that title winning teams create opportunities where they will either score goals or be brought down in the box thus being awarded a penalty. (Barcelona v Celta Vigo today for example). Are you going to say Vardy's record of scoring in almost every game is fake and he shouldn't be considered to be in the England squad because it's all down to refereeing decisions? What on planet Earth are you smoking/drinking? What was your excuse for their demolition of Man City? Leicester City are a breath of fresh air for the neutrals, football in general and all fans sick and tired of this out of control spending culture & I for one will join in the celebrations if they win the League.
@Red_Card They are playing better that the other overall and are very success driven like most previous title holders ,that those extra points needed to secure the title might be as well obtained in difficult situations by abusing the penalty. Is it clear now? If you can respond, respond in a critical manner and after seen my arguments, irrelevant things and saying something just to get it out of your head will only make you look stupid. Goodmorning.
@Red_Card Hard to read and even harder to understand what I am saying. But a morron will not even bother to do either of them. Anyway you can read on my comment above that I already credit the excess penalties won by what you mention as a counterargument to my argument, thus that top teams attack more. Sometimes though I say penalties will be attempted to be abused by top teams as well as other teams and have the opposite effect instead of being won because you attack more they rather abuse their ability to attack and win some of them by diving to promote their already good run and have an edge on tight situations . Also this year leicester is mostly counter-attacking while sides like arsenal-spurs-city are dominating possession but still have 1/3 of penalties awarded to foxes, isnt that weird according to your line of thought? Vardy is a good player and I do not discredit leicester overall,I am saying a title run will need a number of excess penalties to be successful.
(part 2) but is enough to enable the striker to fall down and make it look as the touch would inevitably bring him down although if any of you have played football could rather feel that the fall was not justifiable from your playing experience and it was rather forced either by a misstep or a deliberate touch with the defender-keeper. By no means I am trying to accuse leicester of match fixing, I rather accuse referies for naive thinking and decision making which ultimately might judge the premier league title holder. When things are tight as this season, lets say 5 more penalties than city or spurs and 7 from arsenal (1)ref below, although I cannot say all of them were awarded that way 1-2 penalties that way can turn a one pointer into a win and ultimately judge the champion.
(Part 1) As an Arsenal fan I would say it was a good win although the 1st half was disappointing. My main point though is gonna be about Vardy winning the penalty rather than referee awarding it. After the final whistle blew and the relief it brought, I kinda made a flashback of the season so far and wondered if Arsenal has even been awarded a penalty. Going back every match I found two penalties awarded and one of them converted. While my feeling - and indeed correctly- was that Leicester has been awarded many more, 9 indeed. Checked a few of them and they seem to be almost the same case as this one today. Vardy or another player running in the penalty box, a defender or keeper tries to interrupt them and while close on losing possession a good dive follows (a good dive for me is when although there is a touch between defender and striker is not enough by laws of physics to bring him down , ---> part 2
i am an arsenal lover (not fan). I am so happy. we souffered a lot against Bournmouth, and today the same. we were about to lose the match,until simpson saved us.we received a goal, Peter saved us from 3 goals and we were 3 yellow carded. We felt quite inferior to LEICESTER.Ozil and Ramsey were lost in the first half .We paid 156 million £ to build our team,they paid 20 millions only. That means 1 leicester player=8 of our players. Or, in other word, 1 of our player=13% only of a FOXY player. This explain why we are so exited. If they pay only 40 m £ next year we should have Messi, Nymar,Suarez,CR7 and Heguain to face them. Spurs, Man u , Man c, Watford will let us cry again and again.
@sampo- An Arsenal "lover" who has never had a nice thing to say about the team? The type of Arsenal fan who lives in Tottenham maybe or a troll.
Good win to secure 4th place
Owful refereeing in dat game... Ref needs one scolding
@Ssenyonjo and the Tottenham vs City game, that penalty was embarrassing
shameless football i ever saw... 11 player+refre+home=2-1
@daniyel- Er, rightfully 11 players - the referee + home equals 2-1.
@daniyel the second goal in the last second. What a lucky team!! I dont know how to convince some people that by the second of April Watford will kill their last hope of the Title.
@sampo its a game of 90 minutes + stoppage time, scoring in the last minute is fine, moaning about it is just embarrassing
@JoeB91 especially when it could have been 2-1 or3-1 long before that...
@daniyel With a good ref that game would have ended 2-0
@neumi17- There you go complimenting Arsenal again. Tut tut.
ozil was fouled in the buildup to the vardy penalty which was a dive. simpson second yellow was harsh. drinkwater should have seen red, how can the ref miss that. ref had a really poor game.
Well done Arsenal, who have a hoodoo on Leicester. Big result, but big games to follow. A run is needed. Also, need someone else to beat Leicester, it can be done!
What an exciting match, I probably aged for three years! Leicester made this very entertaining by playing with surprisingly high line at times in the first half. There were obviously few controversial decisions by Atkinson, but at least this match had everything in it. Arsenal was bad at finishing as usual but it doesn't matter as long as you are able to win. Kante surely made it hard for Arsenal, wonderful scouting by Leicester!
@Castle kante deserves to be MOM. BIG BIG role in the midfield specially in the 1st half . 3 shots ,4 dibbles,6 tackles and 7 interceptions. he showed astunishing technics and energy. but also Giroud played very well. personnaly i would give 8.6 to sanchez other than ozil. Because sanchez pushed Leicester players to their penalty area the whole second half and made them a lot of troubles.
@sampo I have to agree with Kante MOM. Sanchez's energy was important today but trying itself is not enough and he couldn't make a difference. Özil looked quiet too but had a standard performance after all with 6 key passes and 6 successful crosses out of 12. Incredible numbers.
I love how every comment which is positive towards Arsenal is downvoted on here, regardless of whether the fact it is spot on. Even when it's from non-Arsenal fans being objective saying exactly the same thing as the Arsenal fans. Gotta love the combination of internet access and low IQ. ;-)
@SteveHyland It's because everyone wants Leicester to be champions if their own team doesn't win it. Can't blame them for supporting Foxes, but it seems to make everyone basically blind. So nothing new for football.
@SteveHyland Spuds, Chelski fans, Oil City fans, Man U fans crying over Welbeck, etc.
@What4- Ah the Usual Suspects. I'm looking out for a person faking a disability. Keyser, where are you?
@SteveHyland Personally I want Leicester to win the title since Liverpool have no chance of winning it, but this result was fair, no matter the controversy over the penalty and last gasp winner. If Leicester can't win it though, I want Wenger to be able to lift the trophy once more before he retires, he loves Arsenal with a passion and it would be awful for him not to end his career after a few successful years in succession. But hey, better than the Man U. fans that always try to act like they're about to win the league, I lmao everytime someone argues that they're doing better than Liverpool, when they've been lucky in most of their games and play like shit most of the time. LVG being an a-hole doesn't help either.
24 to 7 shots for Arsenal, possession 71 - 29, pass success 86 - 59, dribbles 16 - 8, aerials 31 ! -17, corners 11 -1 ! The deserved winner could only be Arsenal ...!
@neumi17 You've forgotten the most important stats: 11 v 10 with home advantage. Pretty much sums up the expected result.
Mahrez must not out, if he stayed, lecester may lead by 2-0. big mistake. many student class shots present by gunner! I dont think they have great chance now, low performance. they are look like rusty gun's gunner
@jayvin83 Ramsey was rusty, his passes just couldn't find their target when it was really needed. Sanchez should had scored, but I think he's getting there. Gunners didn't get enough shots on goal (and in goal) until late on, but they increased the tempo after red card which can be surprisingly hard when playing against 10.
6 key passes of özil again....
@neumi17 Look who's suddenly an Ozil fan...
I had a feeling Arsenal would win, they are really a great team and fun to watch. The only thing lacking is their finishing otherwise they might have managed to score sooner. I mean, until the sending off they had managed 0 shots on target and total shots were 7-5. Arsenal indeed creates a lot of opportunities but lack the proper striker to finish them off. Being 11vs10 certainly made it easier in the end.
Fantastic! Welbeck's goal made even better by all the tears of Man U fans. Chambers did well considering how little he's played recently. And there was a challenge from Drinkwater on Ramsey that should have been a straight red, but Atkinson didn't even consider it foul.
Justified result. I don't know who that idiot Exti is below but even the Leicester fans said Vardy dived not to mention the Morgan foul on Oezil, Mahrez's meal-making in the 2nd half, Drinkwater's disgusting leg-breaking challenge on Ramsey and Kante's constant fouling. Only Simpson got what he deserved card-wise and so many of the Leicester players I've admired this season have gone down drastically in my estimation. Ranieri wouldn't have told them to behave like that, it was like Stoke in the Pulis days. Glad to see Welbeck come back and score after his injury and obviously glad we won.
@SteveHyland Justified result is what I can agree with. You should be doing your homework for tomorrow's school lessons instead of delivering some childish personal insults. I didn't try to say anywhere that Vardy didn't dive, sure, he could have got over Monreal's leg. I believe each of Kante's prolific tackles in the first half was a foul to you. Drinkwater's challenge was just as disgusting as the one for which Ramsey got yellow card in the first half. The tackle on Kante before the penalty was by no means pretty either. There were ugly fouls on both sides. I believe it can be difficult but you could at least try to be a little objective instead of all the hatred.
@Exti- You're clearly not a fan of irony moaning about insults directly after delivering one yourself. If you make idiotic comments, you are therefore an idiot so it's not an insult, merely an observation based on deductive logic. I don't need to say anything in reply, it's clear from your initial comment below that you have an anti-Arsenal bias. Read the comments from non-Arsenal fans on here regarding my examples. They agree with me for the most part so, by default, the general consensus is that you're wrong. Kante's fouling is the only one which has yet to be mentioned but that could be because I had a better view than on tv (or the ref :-p ). It has nothing to do with a lack of objectivity because I have criticised Arsenal many times in the past, you are just wrong. Calling Sanchez a diver when ever since his Udinese days he has been known as a player who gets kicked all over the park yet never goes down without contact or ever instigates contact himself will do you no favours.
@Exti- You're clearly not a fan of irony. Moaning about personal insults after delivering one yourself. I think it's evident from the way I write my comments that I'm not a dumb teenager. I would say if you make idiotic comments, you are therefore an idiot so it's not an insult, merely an observation. I don't really need to say anymore since your comments below reek of a anti-Arsenal bias. Read all the comments from non-Arsenal fans on here, they agree with me for the most part so therefore the general consensus is that you are wrong. Kante is the only example that hasn't yet been mentioned, but that could be because I had a clearer view than what may've been seen on tv. In every other regard you are simply wrong. There is no debate. Ditto for calling Sanchez a diver when he is known around the world, ever since his Udinese days, as somebody who gets kicked all over the park yet doesn't go down without contact or by instigating contact himself. He therefore does not "dive".
Just imagine whats going to happen to Leicester in the champions league lmao...only the finest from the mule league!!
@Beastador- If they get into the champions league, they will have pulling power that they didn't last season. As it is they defend better than 99% of teams in the champions league but also attack. so some additions and providing they keep their best players, they wont lose 3, 4 or 5-0 against anyone barring the cream when they're playing at their best (Bayern, Barcelona).
@SteveHyland Maybe I am underestimating them but i think they will get destroyed if they come up against a decent side such as dortmund, benfica, napoli, sevilla
This doesn't take away anything from Leicester City. They all play their hearts out in every single game and they are all champions for me. For me the sending off was unfair but on the other hand, Drinkwater should have been sent off with that horrible challenge. Kante has been really impressive this season. For me he is good enough to play for any team in the world.
Welbeck: scorer of fantastic goals but not a fantastic goal scorer
Özil to Welbeck, classic... Good substitute ;-)
@neumi17 Again, I would be interested why this comment is worth a downvote ...
@neumi17- Because you are complimenting Arsenal.
Yes...!!
Leicester really lucky that they are not behind. Win of Arsenal would be totally deserved by now!
If Wenger had bought Higuain last summer, they would won the EPL trophy of this season by now.
@Akhthar Giroud was amazing today and very good through the season.
@Akhthar dont start this. even newcastle defend better than ac milan and others(xcept juve).
Great power play by Arsenal. Hope they get awarded for being the better and more active team!
1 goal in 2HT. Will it be an Arsenal or Leicester?. I pray the goal land to Leicester.
@njamimaranga nope
A blatant foul and yellow-card challenge on Oezil by Morgan missed then a dive by Vardy for the penalty. Good old Rowan missing the obvious big calls.
@SteveHyland Oh, and if you can't be objective yourself, go read some objective analysis, for example you-are-the-ref.com, people for sure much smarter than you (or me) explaining things there. Do yourself and us a favor.
@Exti I heard that Henry commented that it doesn't state in the rule book that players should try to bypass a defender. But that doesn't make sense right? With that logic, one has to only put the ball past defender and run at him and make a contact, which is basically what Vardy did. But I think Atkinson noticed his mistake and compensated it a little in second half.
@Castle- You are allowed to maintain your original run, yes, but Vardy ran into Monreal to initiate contact so quite clearly not a foul. I honestly don't see where Atkinson compensated in the 2nd half. Some examples please? Retrospective action will be taken against Drinkwater. It's not the first time Atkinson has botched a straight red card decision. I'm thinking Cahill twice and Barnes last season. Mahrez was lucky to escape a yellow for what Atkinson himself saw as a dive.
@SteveHyland Vardy ran straight over Monreal is what I was saying and Atkinson went for a trick. I consider Atkinson was slightly compensating when he sent Simpson off or at least it made the decision to be easier. I'm not 100 % sure he would have given second yellow in normal situation. Sent off wasn't undeserved but you don't see them very often in games this huge. But that's just my own opinion in which I try to be as objective as I just can. And conciliatory, of course.
@SteveHyland Very objective analysis, hm, you for sure can't be Arsenal fan, right? :D Morgan-Özil was a 50/50 and Vardy sure made the foul more dramatic but Monreal put his leg on the way, there was contact, the more popular decision in such cases is penalty, like it or not. Besides, while having Sanchez in the team, complaining about diving sounds simply retarded. But hey, Arsenal fans..
@Exti- You're obviously blind and/or stupid. Vardy INITIATED contact so it's a dive. It doesn't matter if Monreal's leg was there, he didn't foul Jamie. Pires got rightfully lambasted by the media for doing the same thing against Portsmouth at Highbury a years ago. This was the same thing but Vardy is English so nobody says the D word. Morgan was absolutely nowhere near the ball so it was a foul. He was never going to get the ball either so not a 50-50. They are 2 decisions with absolutely NO debate attached. Sanchez is actually the most legitimately fouled player in the league and also the player who stays on his feet the most. Do try to have some clue what you're talking about, you sound like somebody who has never watched football til today.
@SteveHyland By stating that Sanchez "stays on his feet the most" you confirmed who is blind and stupid. Monreal put his leg on Vardy's way, don't know how hard can that concept be to understand. There was contact, Monreal didn't get the ball, therefore reasonable decision. Morgan was obviously contesting for the ball and other similar situations were also not considered as a foul.
@Exti He did confirm who was stupid, but plot twist, it's not Steve. It's obviously you. I have seen Sanchez play since he was at Barca, and he became my favorite La Liga player for two reasons: flair and staying on his feet. He is like Messi, always fouled but hardly ever goes down. BTW, it doesn't matter if Morgan was contesting for the ball or not, a foul is a foul and it should have been given.
Kante is truly a jewel .I wish him first swuad at Euro
@Zootball Sadly France is packed quite well at those positions.
Just before the penalty, there was a foul on Ozil from Morgan that wasn't given, and Atkinson was basically standing on top of them, so no excuses.
Leicester didn't deserve the penalty. And neither the challenge on Ozil was fair.
In last fixture Cazorla and Sanchez made the difference. With Santi out and Alexis not back at his best, you may expect much tighter match. However, I find a draw very unlikely, this match will be won and lost in a way or another. 2-1 for Arsenal, I expect them to be much more focused than in lazy showing against Bournemouth.
1-3. Mahrez, Vardy, Okadzaki
Per playing really going to expose arsenal at the back, think Leicester will sneak a win today.
The form dat Leicester brings to d Emirates is enough to motivate Wenger to prepare well for them. If Arsenal treats them with respect, three points remain at d Emirates.
any title contender without a way to cancel out or outwit Leicester counter attacking style is not going to win EPL Man city, Tottenham have failed, & it is hard to see them winning EPL especially with Europe resuming next week. Gunners must win this one to; peg Leicester back & dent their confidence on fair tale EPL likely triumph. If arsenal fail they will not only have hurt their fans, but those Leicester doubters. The game is not title decider but carries huge belief and confidence for the winners.
Hahaha. A team that has lost only 2 games since the league started to Arsenal 2-5 and 1-0 to Liverpool. They come in this game to avenge thier fast last encounter where they lost 2-5. Leicester again has been proving doubters wrong. A team with that statistics speaks for its own. They are motivated. Confident. And Leicester away form Blazing I SAY leceister win or Draw.
Both are good teams but there's only one winner. No draw tonight and Arsenal will win it 3-2.
I hope we win this. Rumours that Gabriel has a hamstring or thigh injury is not good. BFG vs Vardy = scary.
Leicester have gone from title favourites to 2nd favourites overnight despite any of the top 4 having played. I don't believe flow of money should influence odds myself since it should be all down to probability. Bit harsh on Leicester.
1-3 Leicester Mahrez and then Ulloa x2 in the final 10 minutes
Arsenal sure win
Arsenal WIN
@Analitiknomer1 2-0 Alexis and Giroud assisted by Ozil
If Wenger starts Walcott upfront instead of Giroud then Huth and Morgan would have all sorts of problems like they did in the first fixture. With Walcott, Sanchez, Ox upfront and Ozil in between them, I see Leicester panicking at the back. Giroud will slow the game in Arsenal's 3rd quarter and this where Kante and Drinkwater will await to regain possession of the ball and move it forward to Mahrez and Vardy upfront. Leicester we all know they are terrible at ball possession and they hunt the ball in packs instead of keeping like Arsenal would. Arsenal play the ball better but Leicester have more clinical finishing and have Drinkwater and Kante as the probably the best ball collectors and interceptors in the league this season! Wenger give Walcott the start and see how the game plays, Giroud has always scored as a sub! a team like Leicester cannot be faced with slow paced players and Mertesacker and Giroud are great players but will be Arsenal's weak link if they start! COYG!
@albgunn I suspect Walcott will start, but on the right, with Oxlade-Chamberlain dropping to the bench.
Fck Valentine's day this match will make my day! COYG!
I dont think it will be 5:2 again but I am pretty confident Arsenal will win by a 2 goal margin, 2:0/3:1 the likely outcome, Coquelin was spared for last time only to be fully fit for this game and he's three times the player Flamini is as we've seen it before. the only man missing from the previous thumping of Leicester is Santi Cazorla. Ramsey can do really well if he was in his day. COYG!
3-0 for gooners
Arsenal have got this for me. 3-1
I know we're both fighting for the title, but whatever happens, it's impossible not to like Leicester and Ranieri, unless you're a solid plastic Chelsea fan. If we can't win the title, it would be awesome if Leicester could.
@What4 Arsenal ------NO.4
@messinho u r right. They r always no.4. They r not made to be no.1 . You might mean arsenal former player no.4 who dominated Europe in chance creating and assists during his 5 years in Arsenal .But couldn't raise the trophy despite big money plus henry,bergkamp,adebayor, he went to chelsea and in 1 season plus very injured striker plus another very old and touthless striker that was enoph to get the title . Even with mask he still the top midfielder ,Arsenal former No4.
@sampo- I think he actually meant Premier League title No. 4. That makes the most sense given What4's comment.
A 3-3 prediction is... quite bold! It seems like you're relying on extreme circumstances whenever there's a scoreline like that. I don't see this game being back and forth like that because both teams have what it takes to hold the other at bay if they go in front. Arsenal have to win - that certainly helps Leicester. Nevertheless I think Arsenal will win 1-0.
This game for me hinges on one certain thing, if Wenger plays BFG he will get creamed over and over by Vardy's pace and i would expect to see Leicester to win 1-3. If Wenger plays Gabriel i still don't see Arsenal winning but the game being a draw 1-1
@rogue- When we don't play an ultra high line (ie- camped on the half-way line when attacking) and Bellerin's positioning is where it should be for a RB, Mertesacker's lack of pace is rarely an issue. Koscielny's failure to play the offside trap is more of 1 tbph. I highly doubt we'll play such a high line against Leicester with their counter attacking prowess. They can't play possession football so if we take the obvious counter-attacking areas away (over the heads of the CBs and down the wings of the full-back furthest forward) then conceding from open play will be less likely. Wenger has a bit of a blind spot when it comes to Chelsea, which is why we played so high against them leading to Per's red card. In those instances, of course a lack of pace will cause severe problems but the tackle was the final part of a string of errors leading to that situation. It's too simplistic to say Per's tackle was THE reason. The way Gabriel played against Bournemouth, I'd be shocked if he starts.
@SteveHyland, i really don't see it being Koscielny's failure to play the offside trap. Every time i have watched Arsenal play this season when Koscielny and Mertersacker have started, Mertersacker plays about 5 yards further back than Koscielny as he is concious of his lack of pace, this immediately causes problems trying to play any form of offside. I'm not saying Mertersacker is a bad player, the guy is a world cup winner but, the premiership is all about pace and speed of play, and Mertersacker is a prime target for any striker with pace. With Wenger choosing to play the 4-2-3-1 system The left and right back are always going to bomb on, it's the nature of the system.
@rogue Any defender is in trouble when he's exposed. And Mertesacker surely isn't a player who likes to cover his team mates mistakes with twenty yard run and sliding tackle. Since it's somewhat Arsenal's habit to loose the ball in dangerous areas it's reasonable to suggest Gabriel to start this match. But otherwise our defense has worked very well and with Coquelin back stopping opponent's counter attacks, it's unlikely Arsenal will concede three even if Merte starts. Furthermore, defending in Premier League isn't about pace, just look at John Terry who's had great career without legs!
@rogue- Regarding the full-backs bombing on, I realise that's intentional- and important given we often play with 2 wingers who come inside, but too often Bellerin is too far forward when DEFENDING. His positioning has been a lot better this season, but when you have the defensive line we have, terrible shifting (either another intentional ploy or a 5-year mistake which hasn't been rectified) and a slow RCB, you need the RB to be in the right starting place and still too often he isn't. I think I'm right in saying he has been the furthest forward of all RBs in the league this season in terms of average position. It helps us offensively of course, which is primarily (exclusively?) what Wenger cares about but it leaves inviting spaces. If only we had a positionally-astute defender as an assistant coach to iron these problems out...
@rogue- I didn't necessarily mean the Costa instance, I meant in general, and specifically in instances where the 2 CBs haven't been intentionally placed where they were. For example, Per is often furthest forward "meeting the ball" when we're attacking/dominating teams and, as a general rule, are sitting high up the pitch. This is actually the reverse when Gabriel plays instead of Per because he is quicker than Kos. When we're defensive, Per is often level or further back for the reason you mentioned. However, both are intentional ploys from Wenger because Koscielny's pace can cover round the back of Per and Per generally has better positioning so marshals the back 4. I dislike it but that's what Arsene likes so I wouldn't blame either player for essentially doing what they were told. In general though when an offside trap hasn't worked, it has been Kos' fault. Kane's goal for Spurs at the Emirates etc.
Sanchez and Vardy to score bet on that
I don't why People expect Leicester to win against Arsenal maybe the Man city game is the reference Arsenal aren't like Man city, and we should know that the board of directors made a terrible mistake by saying that Guardiola will take on city's helm in public that truly affect the players (it's a point of view after all) I think Arsenal to win this game
Vardy to break the Gooner's "Hearty" on Valentine's Day </3 Arsenal 0-1 Leicester City
Arsenal have been more solid at the back recently, a part from that red card agaisnt chelsea. They also lead the league with 12 clean sheets. If Gabriel starts, then him and Kosc will be able to handle Vardy and co. Be interesting t osee if the Ox starts on the right, who I believe will be able to out muscle Fuchs. Out of 14 meetings ranieri has only ever beaten wenger once, not that it's relevant. Going for 2-1 to Arsenal.
IT'S A VERY IMPORTANT MATCH FOR LEICESTER. because if the foxes win they will be far a head of 2 or 3 contenders at the same day (Arsenal) and (City or Tottenham or both). 7 points at least.
@sampo A draw wouldn't be so bad for Leicester either. If they indeed draw and one of City/Spurs win it would mean that Leicester still leads by 3 points (1 game) with a decent goal difference. Not to mention that the Foxes have a relatively easier schedule with no cup games coming. I hope Leicester does win even though Arsenal's quality at home might prove too much (remember that they were one of the two teams to beat Leicester in the league this season).
This one is sure going to be a very entertaining game as involves 2 teams who play non-aggressive, non-defensive minded football. There's no way its going to finish goalless. Individual errors could decide the game. Both goalkeepers will have lots of work to do. I'd go for 3 - 1 to Arsenal, Cech MOTM. COYG!!!.
Leicester to win 5-2.
@akozail YEAH POSSIBLE OF YOUR DREAM!
@akozaiare you kidding
@akozail No way are kidding
I've said it before, but our attackers need to start converting the chances Oezil provides. If they were converted at the same rate as Riyad Mahrez's, Mesut would have 24 league assists by now. Of the 4 players in Europe's top 5 leagues (well, the top 4 plus Ligue Un :-p ) who have double-figured number of assists (Oezil, Di Maria, Mahrez, Insigne- in order), Mesut has the worse conversion rate. If we were to recalculate the totals of the current top 8 players in terms of assists (all of those with 9 or more) using the best conversion rate (Mahrez, 4.1) we'd have: Oezil 24, Neymar 17, De Bruyne 16, Di Maria 15, Insigne 12, Mkhitaryan 12, Mahrez 10, Raffael 9. It just shows how well the Leicester players have done in making Riyad's great work count. Vardy's conversion rate (4.58) is better than everyone in Europe's top 5 leagues with 18+ goals barring Benzema (3.6), Aubameyang (3.8) and Ibrahimovic (4.39). Imagine if we had 5 or 6 stat-fodder teams like they have elsewhere!
@SteveHyland @SteveHyland what if mehrez has (Giroud,Walcott,Sanchez,Ramsey) all of them are very good goalscorers and Oezil has only Vardy (who has the total charge of the opponent defense on him)?. what would be the number of assists of Oezil ?. Mehrez does 3 HARD jobs at the same time (takes on + scoring+creating chances),Oezil uses 4 big names (4 opportunities) for converting chances. I THINK COMPARING MEHREZ WHO TOOK LEICESTER FROM (23rd) TO (1st), HELPED BY ENTHOSIASTES TEAMMATES, AGAINST OZIL WHO TOOK ARSENAL FROM ITS REGULAR PLACE (2nd or 3rd) TO (2nd or 3rd) IN THE LEAGE , IS A BIG STUPIDE INJUSTICE. I DO LOVE THE 2 PLAYERS BUT ASSISTS SHOULDN'T BE MAGNIFIED TO UNDERESTIMATE A KIND OF NEW (NYMARO-MESSI) PLAYER!!. FABREGAS (1ST HALF OF THE LAST SEASON'S RATE OF ASSISTS) WAS EXPECTED TO ALLOW HIM TO MAKE 32 ASSISTS. SEE BBC ARTICLE.
@sampo- I don't quite understand what you're saying. Mesut has created 99 chances compared to Mahrez's 41. Mesut has been bonafide world class for years and Mahrez thus far has had a good 2 thirds of a season in his WHOLE CAREER. There's no comparison to be made, Oezil is clearly better. I'm simply saying if our players had converted his chances like Leicester's have, in particular our main striker- whether it be Giroud (5.83 shots per goal) or Walcott (13.3 shots per goal), Mesut's assists stats would actually demonstrate how awesome he has been all season. The stats back me up.
@SteveHyland Özil indeed have created most scoring chances this season and Arsenal have been quite wasteful at times so you really have a point there. But comparing Arsenal's and Leicester's conversion rates probably isn't that simple. Arsenal aims to create lot of scoring opportunities and put some of them in. As result Özil makes lot of key passes, but not necessarily clear cut chances. Some of those are from difficult angle and often there are still two or three players around trying still to prevent the goal. Leicester game is based more of counter attacks of course, which means chances created by Mahrez tend to be easier to score (like through balls or attacks of 2 vs 2 or 3). As result they have less chances (as Leicester 13.3 shots/game to Arsenal's 15 slightly indicates) but chances are little more dangerous. So it could be expected that Leicester player's have quite good conversion rate.
@Castle- I get what you're saying but Mahrez has created marginally more chances as a result of a through-ball than Oezil and the conversion rates are similar. Arsenal have the worst conversion rate of "clear-cut" chances of every team in the league (32%, Leicester are 5th on 43%). At the begin of January, Giroud, Walcott and Ramsey were in the top 4 in clear-cut chances missed (26 between them) & Oezil had created 22 clear-cut chances. Not sure what the stats are now but if it's lower than 35 missed having watched those 3 cock-up regulation chances, mainly from Oezil, I'll be shocked. Mesut creates loads of chances from balls which could be described as "short-crosses". When you factor in the fact Mesut plays the ball in front of you with perfect weight and spin, they're basic chances- but we've made missing them an art-form! A conversion rate of 1 in 5 should be doable so 125% the assists he currently does have therefore double Mahrez's total.
@SteveHyland what if mehrez has (Giroud,Walcott,Sanchez,Ramsey) all of them are very good goalscorers and Oezil has only Vardy (who has the total charge of the opponent defense on him)?. what would be the number of assists of Oezil ?. Mehrez does 3 HARD jobs at the same time (takes on + scoring+creating chances),Oezil uses 4 big names (4 opportunities) for converting chances. I THINK COMPARING MEHREZ WHO TOOK LEICESTER FROM (23rd) TO (1st), HELPED BY ENTHOSIASTES TEAMMATES, AGAINST OZIL WHO TOOK ARSENAL FROM ITS REGULAR PLACE (2nd or 3rd) TO (2nd or 3rd) IN THE LEAGE , IS A BIG STUPIDE INJUSTICE. I DO LOVE THE 2 PLAYERS BUT ASSISTS SHOULDN'T BE MAGNIFIED TO UNDERESTIMATE A KIND OF NEW (NYMARO-MESSI) PLAYER!!. FABREGAS (1ST HALF OF THE LAST SEASON'S RATE OF ASSISTS) WAS EXPECTED TO ALLOW HIM TO MAKE 32 ASSISTS. SEE BBC ARTICLE.
Leicester win
Arsenal aren't city,also they know how to play Leicester. 3-1 for Arsenal.
If Leicester wins this, I'd tip them as the winner of the league.
i jumped on the leicster bandwagon and i cant get off it really hope they win the title and show that money cant buy you succsess hard work and committment can
imagine leicster in the ucl
@patricia.singh.14 it's not imagination .. It's a true real
Valentines day will decide the title winner if leicster win they can potentially go and city and spurs draw they will be 7 points clear
1-2 to Leicester, Ranieri is a very able tactician and will adapt against the Arsenal to avoid another hammering. Remember, Leicester haven't lost in the league since September.
@sarigginsUSA Yeah, 1:0 Liverpool doesn't count.
@ramsey Forgot about that somehow! However, I think it's fair to say that they deserved a draw out of us.
i can actually see this ending nil nil and the point will keep leicester 5 points clear of arsenal
At least a 2-goal Arsenal win margin I feel. Our high line will look tempting to Leicester but I expect something similar to the game at the KP apart form we'll be tougher in the middle of the park and have Giroud up front which is better for our general attacking play. 3-1.
@SteveHyland At least a two goal win? Please go to bed early tonight and lay off the booze, I fear that you have become an alcoholic Steve
@TacticalMastermind2.0- Ha ha. I don't drink. :-p . I must admit, my prediction is a mix of heart and head but we thoroughly outgunned them at the KP (and nothing says because they tightened up against lesser attacks, they will also be able to do so away to us) plus we beat Bayern 2-0 at home when we knew we had to defend well and should've beat City by more than 2-1 but took our foot off the pedal at 2-0. Both those teams have attacking talent, on paper at least, as good and better than Leicester. We wont take them lightly being they've done so well thus far so the naivety we can show in important games shouldn't be shown here. Can't rule it out though! The bookies disagree with your prediction of a Leicester win incidentally. 11/1 for a 1-0 win are the shortest odds you'll find for a Leicester win of ANY score. Arsenal win is most likely and a 2-0 win 8/1. 3-1 gets longer odds though, 12/1.
I see lots of goals whoever wins time will tell
Arsenal are in some ways the under dogs here. Leicester have tightened up defensively since the hiding Arsenal gave them earlier in the season. But the Gunners have the quality to pull this off. Arsenal have tended to come up with disciplined and fighting responses in big games this season when they have been the under dogs - think beating City, Bayern. Also, Arsenal have the best record against top six teams of all those top six. Leicester will as usual seek to defend deep and counter. Can Arsenal get the first and draw them out, where they will be easier to pick off? Last thing any one wants (well 'cept the Spuds and Mancity fans) is a draw. I'm going for a two niller, to Arsenal. COYG!
@Khanya i will be happy with a draw it will keep you 5 points behind us
Big matchday. The top 4 teams are playing each other. Im hoping for a Leicester win and a draw for Spurs and City.
this match will decide the winner of the EPL, betting for Arsenal 3-2.
Will it be love or hate on Valentine's Day ?
@daja411 Hate off course. potential title decider.
mahrez
@builes13 I heard some block named Oezil is decent too.
@sarigginsUSA bloke*, stupid phone autocorrect. >=l