A late double from substitute Mikel Merino kept Arsenal’s hopes of winning their first Premier League title in 21 years alive as they narrowly beat Leicester City 1-0 at the King Power Stadium, extending their unbeaten league run to 15 games.
Arsenal were dealt a big injury blow earlier in the week when it was confirmed that Kai Havertz, their main centre-forward, would miss the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury. He joins Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka on the sidelines, meaning Mikel Arteta had to rely on out-of-form Raheem Sterling and 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri alongside makeshift striker Leandro Trossard.
In the first half, Arsenal’s lack of attacking power was obvious. Besides a Declan Rice header that went just wide, they didn’t create many chances, meaning Leicester’s goalkeeper Mads Hermansen had a quiet afternoon.
Leicester, on the other hand, wasn’t much of a threat either, but Wilfried Ndidi forced David Raya into a save from the edge of the box. Just before half-time, Ndidi had the best chance of the first half when he was unmarked and headed wide.
The second half started in much the same way, but as the game went on, both teams became more intense. Nwaneri was Arsenal’s biggest threat and nearly broke the deadlock with a brilliant shot from outside the box that hit the crossbar.
Leicester responded with Bobby De Cordova-Reid testing Raya with a powerful shot, but it was an easy save for the goalkeeper as it went straight at him.
Nwaneri later hit the post with another strong shot, and it seemed likely that any breakthrough would come from him. That proved to be the case when his perfectly placed cross found Merino, who scored with a clinical header, showing the skill of a seasoned striker, not a central midfielder.
Just six minutes later, Merino tapped in Trossard’s cross at the far post to secure the win for Arsenal.
This result leaves Arsenal just four points behind leaders Liverpool, although the Reds don’t play until Sunday against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Leicester, meanwhile, remain in the relegation zone, two points behind the team in 17th, and have now lost their last five Premier League matches without scoring.
