GUNNERS GET HIT BY VARDY
Video ref and hitman save Foxes
THE Mikel Arteta revolution is still a work in progress.
But this was an exciting glimpse into the future of the Arsenal he is trying to build – if only VAR didn’t seem to work against him.
Youth, energy and work rate, together with quality down the spine of the team, as Arteta’s new-look side claimed a draw to keep their faint Champions League hopes alive while Leicester wobbled again.
You could easily pick out Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after the Arsenal striker scored his 20th goal in the Premier League this season.
But it was also about the emerging talent of Bukayo Saka, after his 12th assist of the season in all competitions.
Victory only started to slip through the Gunners’ fingers when sub Eddie Nketiah was sent off – VAR upgraded a yellow card to red for a late challenge on Leicester’s James Justin two minutes after the Arsenal kid had come on.
And VAR would yet again be required as Jamie Vardy equalised for the Foxes, with a possible offside being rejected.
Arsenal and Scotland star Kieran Tierney said: “It was very tough, against a team who are good at keeping the ball. But we did well and dug in.”
On his own display, Tierney said: “Since the break I have come back better. I feel more settled in London. The break has done me wonders.”
The drizzle in the air of a dank Tuesday evening made for a greasy, fast pitch and both teams played at lightning pace.
Arsenal keeper Emiliano Martinez had to make a terrific save from Kelechi Iheanacho after a short corner routine.
But it was Arsenal who took the lead in 22 minutes.
Dani Ceballos’ sublime pass released Saka down the right, the teenager pulled back an inch-perfect cross which was on a plate for Aubameyang to score from close range.
Arsenal could have been out of sight by half time.
Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel made four excellent saves as Saka’s movement and vision together with Alexandre Lacazette’s work rate caused all sorts of problems.
How on earth the Foxes No.1 got down to stop Lacazette’s low shot on the turn is anyone’s guess and the Denmark keeper also made another terrific save from Hector Bellerin.
Schmeichel also made smart saves from Lacazette and Saka.
Leicester regrouped after half time but still needed Schmeichel to stop David Luiz’s free-kick.
Lacazette’s replacement then got himself sent off moments after coming on. Ref Chris Kavanagh initially gave Nketiah a yellow but the ref checked with VAR and changed his mind. And Vardy stroked in the late leveller following Demarai Gray’s cross.
Foxes hero Vardy said: “We stuck to our plan against 10 men and got the goal.”