🚨𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 ‼️: “Everyone thinks William Saliba is the best Arsenal defender but that’s not true, their best defender is that guy and I’ve never played against such player before…I’m scared of him”: Leicester City superstar Jamie Vardy names the only ONE Arsenal’s defender who was a nightmare for him yesterday.

In a significant Premier League matchup on February 15, 2025, Arsenal triumphed 2-0 over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. The game remained scoreless until the final ten minutes when substitute Mikel Merino, who usually plays as a central midfielder, scored two crucial goals, highlighting Arsenal’s adaptability during their ongoing injury crisis.

Arsenal faced notable absences in their attack, with key players like Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli out due to injuries. This prompted manager Mikel Arteta to adjust the squad, resulting in a new front three of Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling, and 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, who was making his first Premier League start.

In the first half, Arsenal dominated possession but struggled to break down Leicester’s well-organized defense. Despite controlling midfield, clear scoring chances were limited. Leandro Trossard had an opportunity to score but missed after receiving a precise pass from Martin Ødegaard, sending his shot straight at the Leicester goalkeeper. This miss drew criticism from Arsenal fans.

Under manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, Leicester City showed resilience and tactical discipline. They created several counterattacking chances, with Wilfred Ndidi coming close with both a header and a volley that narrowly missed. However, their failure to convert these opportunities would prove costly.

Arteta made a strategic substitution in the 70th minute, bringing on Mikel Merino in a makeshift striker role. This move paid off in the 80th minute when Merino scored with a header from a cross by Nwaneri. Arsenal’s momentum grew, and just six minutes later, Merino scored again, this time finishing a low cross from Riccardo Calafiori to seal the win.

After the match, Arteta praised Merino’s instinctive play and his ability to anticipate and execute in front of goal. However, he cautioned against permanently moving Merino to an advanced role, noting that future decisions would depend on the team’s needs and player availability.

This victory was crucial for Arsenal’s title hopes, reducing the gap to four points behind Liverpool, though Arsenal had played one extra match. With 13 games left, Arsenal is in a strong position to challenge for the title, with Arteta expressing confidence in his squad’s ability to maintain their form.

Leicester City’s loss deepened their relegation fears. Currently in 18th place, the Foxes have struggled to find consistency. Van Nistelrooy acknowledged the fine margins impacting their performances but remained hopeful that continued effort would lead to positive results. He emphasized the need for resilience as Leicester aims to escape the relegation zone.

The match also highlighted the potential of Ethan Nwaneri, whose assist for Merino’s first goal demonstrated his maturity and vision. At just 17 years old, Nwaneri’s future looks promising, and Arteta will likely continue to rely on him as the season progresses.

Leandro Trossard’s performance drew mixed feedback. While he created space and opportunities, his missed chance in the first half drew criticism. With the team dealing with injury issues, Trossard will aim to improve his finishing in future matches to secure his place in the starting lineup.

Defensively, Arsenal was solid, with their backline containing Leicester’s attacking threats. The central defenders’ partnership was key in limiting Jamie Vardy’s influence on the game. This defensive stability provided a foundation for Arsenal’s attacks and will be essential as they pursue the title.

Arsenal’s midfield played a crucial role in controlling the tempo and orchestrating transitions between defense and attack. Their ability to retain possession and distribute the ball effectively kept Leicester under pressure and prevented them from building sustained attacks.

Leicester’s tactical approach centered on a compact defensive structure, looking to absorb pressure and exploit counterattacks. While this strategy limited Arsenal for most of the game, the late goals exposed Leicester’s vulnerabilities, particularly in handling crosses and set-pieces. Van Nistelrooy will need to address these weaknesses as Leicester fights to avoid relegation.

The match at the King Power Stadium showcased the unpredictable nature of Premier League football, with both teams displaying quality at times, but it was Arsenal’s tactical adjustments and key substitutions that secured the win.