Mikel Arteta stated on Friday that he does not want Arsenal to be on YouTube “for doing something silly”.
But when James Justin scored a magnificent volley off the post to draw Leicester level, the Gunners’ second-half meltdown was unquestionably going viral.
However, last week’s villain, Leandro Trossard, proved to be this week’s hero by pushing Arsenal ahead – via Wilfred Ndidi – in stoppage time to avenge his red card against Manchester City the previous Sunday.
Even if there was still time for Kai Havertz to add to the score, this thrilling triumph was far from easy.
You also had to feel sorry for Steve Cooper, who was booed by his own fans during Leicester’s midweek Carabao Cup victory over Walsall, since he almost sparked a major comeback and outcome that would have rocked up the championship battle. Instead, the Foxes remain winless, while Arsenal took advantage of Manchester City’s lunchtime slip-up at Newcastle to draw level with their opponents on 14 points.
Within 20 minutes, they went ahead when Bukayo Saka’s silky reverse pass found Jurrien Timber, whose cutback was expertly stroked in by Gabriel Martinelli for his first goal since March, when the Gunners ran riot against Sheffield United.
Leicester were unhappy, however, since veteran captain Jamie Vardy was fouled during a heated tussle with William Saliba. The hosts’ constant pressure finally paid off right before the break, as Trossard tucked home a well-worked second.
This time, Martinelli, who was razor sharp throughout, provided for the former Brighton player. If the Gunners felt they were safe at that moment, they were swiftly proved wrong after a sobering and angry opening to the second half.
Justin’s head headed Facundo Buonanotte’s tempting free-kick towards goal, but David Raya was caught off guard by a brutal deflection off Havertz. Justin also missed a key early chance at 0-0.
Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori both came close with headers before Trossard rattled the post, and just as an Arsenal third appeared to be imminent, Leicester pulled a sucker punch on the break.
Defender Justin blasted Wilfred Ndidi’s long cross flush on the volley, swerving his drive in off the post for his second goal of the afternoon.
Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen finished the match with an incredible 13 saves, one shy of breaking David de Gea’s top-flight record for most in a game.
Trossard ultimately overcame the Danes’ resistance in the 94th minute, after Saka’s corner, when the ball crawled in off Ndidi and through Hermansen.
