One Arsenal star made huge improvement for Mikel Arteta after first half horror show

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Arsenal were not at the races during the first half against Leicester City but managed to dig deep and snatch a late win against The Foxes.

Arsenal struggled to create any chances in the first half and had just one shot on target going into the break.

Arsenal fans were furious with Raheem Sterling’s performance and the winger was dragged off halfway through the second half for eventual hero Mikel Merino.

Joe Cole was full of praise for Ethan Nwaneri before the game and the youngster showed why as he produced a sensational display, including an assist for Merino’s opening goal.

Mikel Arteta would have been particularly disappointed with one Arsenal player’s first half performance but they showed great character and leadership in the second half.

READ MORE: Arsenal fans send message to Mikel Arteta following Mikel Merino’s heroic performance

Martin Odegaard improved on lacklustre first half performance

Martin Odegaard is Arsenal’s most creative player and should be pulling the strings and leading the side to create chances and penetrate defences.

The Gunners mustered just one shot on target in the first half and Odegaard in particular was not quick enough on the ball or incisive with his passes.

However, that all changed in the second half as the Norwegian started to pick the ball up deeper and built attacks with passes through the lines for the likes of Nwaneri and Declan Rice breaking through.

Odegaard needs to improve his goal contributions but will be pleased with the character he showed after a below-par first half performance.

Arsenal need to drop Raheem Sterling and find other solutions

Arteta started with Sterling on the left and Leandro Trossard down the middle however, the Gunners did not look threatening at all until the final moments of the match.

Khayon Edwards scored for the U21 side and it may be time for the manager to look at youthful options down the middle and move Trossard out to the left.

Sterling struggled to get the better of his full back and was clearly lacking in confidence in everything he was attempting during the game.

If Arsenal are to continue their challenge at the top of the league, they know they will need to improve upon their display against Leicester.