Arsenal had to dig deep to find a way to beat Leicester City on Saturday.
Whilst Mikel Arteta’s side were almost entirely dominant against the newly-promoted side, Arsenal still needed injury-time goals to secure the three points.
A Wilfred Ndidi own goal and Kai Havertz strike in the final stages of the match ultimately meant that the Gunners were able to record a 4-1 victory.
Whilst the Foxes were able to frustrate Arsenal, there were still a number of impressive performers amongst Arteta’s players.
Gabriel Martinelli pleased Arsenal fans as he finally ended his goal drought, and Jurrien Timber produced a remarkably creative performance.
However, there are also Arsenal players who will feel that their reputations took a hit this weekend.
Thomas Partey
Thomas Partey was replaced by Ethan Nwaneri in the 85th minute. Whilst the Hale End academy wonderkid was not afforded a great deal of game time, he was still able to make an impact on the match.
Nwaneri offered more threat in the final third in just his few minutes on the pitch than Partey could produce in the match up to that point. The 17-year-old now looks ready to start matches, and could play a part in seeing Partey phased out of the side.
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Oleksandr Zinchenko is currently sidelined with injury. Were he fit, though, there is no guarantee that the Ukrainian left-back would be a nailed-on starter.
Zinchenko knows he wasn’t at his best last season, and will be desperate to show Arteta that he still has something to offer Arsenal.
However, with Riccardo Calafiori now impressing at left-back, as he did against Leicester, the former Manchester City man may now find opportunities to prove his worth hard to come by once he returns to full fitness.
Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling has done nothing wrong since joining Arsenal, and impressed in midweek as he opened his account for the North London club against Bolton Wanderers.
However, with Martinelli now back among the goals and Leandro Trossard impressing, the Chelsea loanee’s challenge of climbing the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium will now become all the more difficult.
The 29-year-old still offers valuable squad depth, but could be restricted to an impact sub role for the foreseeable future.
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