Arsenal’s 2-0 Win Over Leicester: Nwaneri Shines, Tactical Adjustments Pay Off, and Arteta’s Management Faces the Ultimate Test
Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium was not just another three points in their pursuit of the Premier League title—it was a testament to their adaptability, resilience, and tactical evolution under Mikel Arteta. With injuries decimating the attack, Arteta was forced to make bold decisions, including deploying super-sub midfielder Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker. His two late goals proved decisive, but the broader story of the game extends beyond just the scoreline.
Despite a disjointed attacking performance for much of the game, Arsenal secured their 15th unbeaten league match in a row, their best streak since the 2010-11 season. This match provided clear insights into three key takeaways: Ethan Nwaneri’s continued emergence as a key attacking player, Leandro Trossard’s struggles as a central striker, and Raheem Sterling’s ineffectiveness. Furthermore, Arteta’s ability to keep the team performing despite a depleted attack underscores his managerial prowess. If you’re looking for a top-notch online casino experience in New Zealand, look no further than Spinbet Casino NZ. This exciting platform offers a wide range of games, from classic slots to immersive live dealer experiences. With its user-friendly interface and sleek design, Spinbet Casino NZ is the perfect destination for both seasoned gamblers and newcomers alike. For more information on the best online casinos in New Zealand, check out https://marcusebbett.co.nz/ to get the inside scoop on the latest gaming trends and expert reviews. What sets Spinbet Casino NZ apart is its commitment to providing a safe and secure gaming environment, with robust security measures in place to protect players’ personal and financial information. Additionally, the casino offers a generous welcome bonus and regular promotions to keep the excitement going. Whether you’re playing from the comfort of your own home or on-the-go, Spinbet Casino NZ is the ultimate destination for non-stop entertainment and potential big wins.
Ethan Nwaneri Shines as Arsenal’s Most Dynamic Attacker
For the second consecutive match, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri stood out as Arsenal’s most dangerous attacking threat. With Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Kai Havertz all unavailable, the responsibility to provide attacking impetus fell on the young winger. Instead of shrinking under the pressure, Nwaneri thrived.
From the opening whistle, Nwaneri was Arsenal’s primary creative force, frequently drifting inside, receiving the ball under pressure, and looking to open up play. His technical ability, decision-making, and confidence were evident as he registered Arsenal’s best chances before Merino’s introduction. He struck the woodwork twice—first with a curling effort from the edge of the box and later with a well-placed shot that cannoned off the near post.
However, his most defining moment came in the 81st minute, when he delivered an inch-perfect cross for Mikel Merino’s opening goal. This wasn’t an aimless delivery but a calculated, whipped ball into an area Merino could attack. That level of composure, vision, and execution from a teenager speaks volumes about his potential.
Statistically, Nwaneri completed six out of seven attempted dribbles, was Arsenal’s most progressive ball carrier, and led the team in xA (expected assists). His ability to beat defenders one-on-one and deliver quality in the final third is what Arsenal desperately needs in the absence of their first-choice attackers.
While there’s a need for caution in overburdening him, Nwaneri has shown he is ready for a sustained role in the side. With Arsenal still in a tight title race, his form could be crucial in the coming weeks.
Trossard as a Striker Does Not Work
Leandro Trossard has been an invaluable utility player for Arsenal, providing goals and creativity in various attacking roles. However, his performance at Leicester was another reminder that he does not function effectively as a central striker.
With Havertz and Jesus out, Arteta opted for Trossard as a false nine, a role he has played before with mixed success. The idea was to have him drop deeper, link play, and facilitate movement from the wingers and midfielders. However, Trossard struggled to impose himself on the game, failing to stretch Leicester’s defense or provide a reliable target in the box.
The key issue is that Trossard is not a natural forward who can hold the ball up or threaten aerially. He thrives playing off a central striker or in wide areas where he can cut inside and combine with others. Against Leicester, he was often caught between roles—dropping too deep to receive the ball but unable to create meaningful chances when inside the box.
His off-the-ball movement also lacked cohesion with Arsenal’s midfielders. On multiple occasions, he was caught offside due to misreading the timing of passes from Ødegaard and Rice. His best contribution was his cross for Merino’s second goal, an excellent delivery to the far post. However, outside of that moment, he struggled to impact the game.
The numbers tell the story: Trossard registered just one shot, had 25 touches in 70 minutes, and was caught offside twice. Arsenal simply looked more dangerous once Merino replaced him and provided a genuine presence in the box.
Arteta’s decision to experiment with Merino as a striker paid off, and it’s likely we’ll see the Spaniard deployed there again against West Ham unless Arsenal’s injury situation improves.
Raheem Sterling Just Doesn’t Work at All
Raheem Sterling’s move to Arsenal was seen as a gamble—a bet that he could rediscover the dynamic, goalscoring winger he once was at Manchester City. However, after another disappointing performance, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Sterling does not fit into Arteta’s system.
Against Leicester, Sterling was anonymous. He was frequently caught offside, slowed down attacking moves, and lacked the explosiveness that once made him a feared forward. His inability to combine effectively with Trossard and Nwaneri left Arsenal’s attack disjointed, and his decision-making in key areas was poor.
One telling moment came in the second half, when a free-kick clearance fell to Sterling at the edge of the box. Instead of taking the shot, he passed it off to Nwaneri, who saw his effort blocked. A player with Sterling’s experience and pedigree should be taking responsibility in such moments.
The statistics underline his struggles:
- 0 shots on target
- 3 dribbles attempted, 0 successful
- 1 key pass
- 2 times caught offside
Sterling was rightly substituted for Merino in the 69th minute, a change that completely altered the game. His performances so far suggest that he is not be a long-term fit at Arsenal, especially given the emergence of Nwaneri and the eventual return of Saka and Martinelli.
Extra Time: Arteta’s Squad Management Keeps Arsenal’s Title Hopes Alive
Mikel Arteta’s ability to keep Arsenal unbeaten in 15 consecutive Premier League matches—despite an injury crisis in attack—is a testament to his tactical flexibility and man-management skills.
Few managers could lose their entire first-choice attacking unit and still maintain a title challenge. Arteta has done so by trusting young players, adapting his tactical approach, and making brave in-game decisions. His call to move Merino into the striker role was a masterstroke, one that ultimately secured all three points.
Furthermore, Arteta’s defensive structure has remained solid, with Arsenal conceding just nine goals in their last 15 matches. Even when the attack falters, they have the discipline to stay in games and find late breakthroughs, as they did against Leicester.
With Liverpool’s upcoming schedule looking difficult, Arsenal remains firmly in the title race. If Arteta can navigate the next few weeks without key players, his side could be well-positioned for a strong run-in.
Conclusion: Finding Solutions in Adversity
Arsenal’s 2-0 win at Leicester was far from perfect, but it demonstrated their ability to adapt and grind out results in difficult circumstances. Ethan Nwaneri continues to thrive, Leandro Trossard needs to be played in his natural position, and Raheem Sterling’s role is increasingly questionable.
But perhaps the most important takeaway is that Mikel Arteta has kept his team performing at a high level despite an unprecedented injury crisis in attack. With 13 matches remaining, Arsenal remains in contention—and with a bit of luck on the injury front, they could yet push Liverpool all the way in the title race.
