Nwaneri Gets 9, Sterling With 5 | Arsenal Players Rated In Their Win Against Leicester City | OneFootball

Despite injuries to several first-team forwards, Arsenal were still firm favourites to clinch a win against struggling Leicester City. While it did not work out with Leandro Trossard down the middle, Mikel Arteta’s masterclass of shifting the Belgian on the left and deploying midfield ace Mikel Merino as a makeshift centre-forward did the trick. The Spaniard scored a brace late in the match and helped the Gunners close the gap to four points with league leaders Liverpool.

David Raya: 7.5

Was rarely tested between the sticks. Was sharp with his high claims and quick distributions apart from recording yet another clean sheet.

Jurrien Timber: 8

Effective down the right as the Dutchman kept on linking up with Nwaneri with his overlapping runs, swift passing and link-up football.  Performed his defensive duties with timely trackbacks and tackles.

William Saliba: 8

Was in the right place at the right time as always. His composure and calmness helped them deal with the hosts’ counter-attacking threats.

Gabriel: 8

Did extremely well to partner with Saliba in the heart of the backline. Was combative against Jamie Vardy as he dominated the duels, won tackles and made several no-nonsense clearances.

Myles Lewis-Skelly: 7.5

Could not offer much with his overlapping runs but was solid defensively as he made a crucial clearance late in the match moments before being taken off for Riccardo Calafiori.

Thomas Partey: 6.5

Started the game well deep down the midfield with his physical as well as technical traits. Dominated the show from the centre of the pitch but was replaced by Jorginho with around 20 minutes remaining.

LEICESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 15: Mikel Merino of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Riccardo Calafiori during the Premier League match between Leicester City FC and Arsenal FC at The King Power Stadium on February 15, 2025 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Martin Odegaard: 7.5

Showed his flair with box-to-box movements and relentless runs. Carried the ball forward from the deep and kept on creating chances in and around the attacking third.

Declan Rice: 7

Worked extremely hard to maintain midfield supremacy with his work rate and concentration. Lost a few duels but was effective with his recoveries and interceptions.

Ethan Nwaneri: 9

Merino might grab the headlines for his heroics, but the 17-year-old academy prodigy was the architect for the first goal with a pinpoint cross. He was a constant threat down the right and also hit the woodwork with a stellar strike.

Raheem Sterling: 5

Had a great chance to shine down the left with an assured gametime amid injuries to Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka. However, the Chelsea loanee had yet another disappointing outing and was eventually replaced by Merino midway through the second half.

Leandro Trossard: 8

Lacked the sharpness of a ‘number 9’ but showed his efficiency from the left by setting it up for Merino for his second goal minutes before the final whistle. Was replaced by Kieran Tierney for the final few moments.

Arsenal Subs vs Leicester City

Mikel Merino: 8.5

Arteta’s ‘secret weapon’ brought the Gunners back into the title hunt. He exhibited the traits of a finisher with two swift goals since replacing Sterling in the second half.

Jorginho: 6.5

Used his experience to break down Leicester’s moves by making tactical fouls and quick clearances.

Was lively since coming on as he carried the ball forward with more confidence and conviction.

Kieran Tierney: NA