After a difficult start to the 2021-22 season, Brendan Rodgers and Leicester have finally received their green ticks, despite being the latest team to be forced to do it the hard way at the Brentford Community Stadium last weekend.
Youri Tielemans and James Maddison scored either side of Zanka’s equaliser to give the Foxes back-to-back Premier League victories, while Patson Daka’s four goals helped them beat Spartak Moscow in the Europa League earlier this month.
Although they had to rely on their penalty prowess to progress following a painful 2-2 stalemate on home soil, Leicester’s fourth win in a row in all competitions came against Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday, but Rodgers’ side is finally living up to expectations.
Leicester are unbeaten in four Premier League games and have taken eight points from a possible 12 during that run, putting them eighth in the table after nine games, just ahead of this weekend’s opponents Arsenal on goal difference.
The Foxes have also scored at least two goals per game during their four-match unbeaten league run, but Arsenal’s forwards will look to take advantage of Rodgers’ side’s inability to keep a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season.
Arsenal found a fresh cutting edge against Villa, scoring two goals in the first half due to strikes from Thomas Partey and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. It was possibly the finest 45 minutes of play we’ve seen from them this season – excepting the North London derby frenzy.
Smith, Emile Before Jacob Ramsey’s stunning strike gave Villa a glimmer of hope, Rowe’s deflected effort seemed to put the tie to bed, but Arsenal held out to reply in the right way after only just recovering a point against Crystal Palace.
Arsenal’s path to the EFL Cup quarter-finals was easier than Leicester’s, with super sub Caleb Chambers and former Whites loanee Eddie Nketiah both scoring in the second 45 minutes to secure Arsenal’s sixth win in eight games across all competitions.
Arteta’s team went through September unbeaten in the Premier League and will look to do it again in August, as a record of 14 points from the past 18 on offer has propelled them to 10th place in the table, but they have only scored one goal away from home this season.
Arsenal has won both of their previous visits to the King Power Stadium, including a 3-1 victory in this Premier League fixture last season, but Leicester has won four Premier League games against the Gunners since 2018.