Leicester 0-2 Arsenal. In this thread, I will provide an in-depth analysis of the game. Likes and RTs would be much appreciated .

Sorry if this is late as I was unable to post the piece because of my inability to use my account for the past two days.

FIRST HALF: In terms of our shape, we saw us deploy our familiar 3-4-3 hybrid system. Out of possession, we shifted to a 5-4-1 with the wide attackers (Pepe and Nelson) supporting the two wing-backs. But in possession, a 4-3-3 during the build-up phase was utilised, with Kola

moving to LB and Saka tucking into midfield. As we transitioned further forward, we became a 2-3-5. But what is interesting to note is that certain players had different roles. Usually, our LCB would overlap and play as a conventional attacking FB. But Kola maintained a deep

position, tucking into midfield. AMN also played as an inverted FB whilst Joe was tasked to develop a partnership with Pepe.

Our first-half performance for me was frustrating and you could see that there was a lack of understanding between the midfield and attack. This is

understandable when you consider the number of changes made. Early on, Leicester created a decent opportunity with Albrighton, finding space on our left, whipping a dangerous ball between Luiz and Holding for Ihneachao. But Leno made a crucial stop, which was a big moment in the

game. It was an early cause for concern as both Holding and Luiz aren’t blessed with pace, meaning runs in behind could have been a successful avenue for Leicester. Despite not playing with fluidity and tempo, we created the better chances. We saw Reiss on two occasions force

good stops from Ward whilst Saka was lively throughout. Direct, intelligence in his dribbling, creating space for others, great service were aspects all on show in Bukayo’s performance and should have been rewarded with a penalty. Pepe also had a great chance following a good…

pass from Willock and should have done better.
Maddison’s shot of the bar was the closest the home side got to scoring. Overall, from my perspective, there was a clear lack of progression in our play. Simple forward, line-breaking passes were available to the attacking players

on countless occasions. Brilliant runs on the shoulder were made, but they were failed to be picked up. Negative, sideways, far too many touches on the ball were evident in our play, which allowed Leicester to keep their shape. What impressed me in the half and what has been a

a continuous theme in our play is our press. Our front three were very clever in the positions they took. They eliminated passing lanes and prevented Leicester from building attacks from deep. Willock also played a key role in being aggressive when the ball was played in midfield

I would say that despite it not being a great performance in terms of our play in possession, it was a half in which we controlled.

SECOND HALF:There certainly was a slight improvement in our performance in possession although there still was a lack of pace, fluidity, and tempo

tempo in our passing. What was a clear change was Pepe’s involvement in the game and he was the catalyst for our first goal. Nketiah initially plays a good ball for Nico, who uses his pace well to get beyond Thomas. His shot rebounded off the post and went in off Fuchs. Our press

was even more impressive after the interval. In the 73rd minute, Nketiah’s lob was saved off the line by Morgan. But this opportunity arrived because of how we forced Leicester to go long and then won the ball back quickly. Hector came on and immediately you could see he provided

greater energy/intensity on the right-hand side. He developed a good late partnership with Nico and was the catalyst for our second goal. In terms of the build-up for the goal, Holding plays the ball for Pepe, who holds onto it well, occupies Thomas, which creates space for HB

He receives the ball from Nico, produces a moment of brilliance and Eddie is there to apply the finishing touch. Fox in the box! Leicester’s best opportunity came through a set-piece, with an Perez header. But overall, it was a professional performance from us. Although it's the

Carabao cup, its another away win and at a ground where we haven’t had much success in. What is great to see is our defensive structure.

Now let's analyse individual performances. Despite not having much to do, Leno provided us with a big moment. His save from Ihneacheo shot was

crucial and had it of went in, the outcome could have been completely different. Calm/composed on the ball as well, and never panicked when opposing Leicester players pressed him. Holding was poor. Caught out far too frequently positionally, wasn't efficient on the efficient on

the ball, failed to dominate in his duels and just didn't provide me with any confidence when in possession. I do feel that he needs a move away from the club on loan would benefit him. Luiz put in a good performance. Brilliant with the ball at his feet and in a game where there

wasn't enough progression through midfield, he provided some well-executed long balls, in behind. Was also commanding defensively. Kola provided us with an improved performance when compared to his display against West Ham.The difference in his role was that he wasn't tasked to

overlap and play as a conventional LB in possession. Instead, he was instructed to maintain his position, tuck in, and help us deal with transitions. At times he was sloppy in possession and should have prevented Perez from having a free header. AMN was poor and far too sloppy

in possession. Many were frustrated as to why he wasn't overlapping but in his defence, he was tasked to play as an inverted RB. I thought Elneny did ok but was frustrating from my perspective. He did well in terms of providing ball retention, always giving the GK and CBs simple

passing options.But if we analyse our system, he played on the left side of midfield, which is essentially the GX role. With Joe playing slightly ahead, and in between the lines it was down to Mo to provide progression from deep. He was too negative in possession and on countless

occasions, the ball over the top as well as simple forward passes were available. This is why you can see how important GX is for us. Mo still is a player who I think is useful to have though. It wasn't Joe's best performance either. I felt he was influential in his press and

played a good pass for Nico, who should have shot on his right. But in terms of his role, he was tasked to build a frequent partnership with Pepe, which he didn't do. Pepe was poor in the first half but improved in the second. Reiss played well. His partnership with Saka on the

left was causing Leicester problems.His influence faded in the second half but an encouraging display. Eddie was quite but again showed us what he does best which is score goals. Poacher! Saka was my MOTM. Brilliant performance and was a constant threat. Hope you enjoyed the read