Player ratings: Leicester 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal left it late but found a way through Leicester on Saturday afternoon in their first test since Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli joined the injury list.

Arsenal’s attack did look poor and lacked threat for large periods of the game. Super sub Mikel Merino came on with 20 minutes to go, allowing Leandro Trossard to move left and Merino to play as a centre forward. A lovely header and calm back post finish from the Spaniard proved the difference.

Merino didn’t seem to know he was playing CF until this morning, and doesn’t expect to be there again if you listen to his post-match interview .. !

He may be in for a surprise!!

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— PB (@olipb.bsky.social) February 15, 2025 at 2:35 PM

Rate the players below and see the fan averages, and scroll down to see my ratings. 

Here’s how I rated the players:

David Raya – 7

Jurrien Timber – 7

William Saliba – 7

Gabriel – 7

Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7

Thomas Partey – 5

Martin Odegaard – 6

Declan Rice – 6

Ethan Nwaneri – 9

Leandro Trossard – 6

Raheem Sterling – 3 (Mikel Merino on after 69′ – 9)

Men of the match: Ethan Nwaneri and Mikel Merino. Ethan was excellent, unlucky not to score himself, hitting the woodwork twice before turning provider to Merino to break the deadlock.