Arsenal Player Ratings: Nwaneri Shines While Sterling Struggles in Win Over Leicester

Arsenal secured a 2-0 victory away at Leicester City thanks to two late goals from substitute Mikel Merino. With injuries to key forwards, manager Mikel Arteta was forced to reshuffle his attack, starting Leandro Trossard up front.

The Gunners struggled to break down a resilient Leicester defense for much of the match. However, the introduction of Merino in the 69th minute proved decisive. The Spaniard headed in the opener from Ethan Nwaneri’s cross on 81 minutes before adding a second six minutes later.

17-year-old Nwaneri was Arsenal’s standout performer, creating several chances and hitting the post before setting up the crucial opening goal. In contrast, Raheem Sterling had a difficult afternoon and was substituted after an ineffective display.

Player Ratings

David Raya – 6/10: Had little to do for most of the match but made a good save from Bobby De Cordova-Reid in the second half.

Jurrien Timber – 6/10: Occasionally caught out defensively but tried to support Nwaneri going forward.

William Saliba – 6/10: Battled well with Jamie Vardy and largely kept the Leicester striker quiet.

Gabriel – 6/10: Strong in the air and coped well with Leicester’s limited attacking threat.

Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7/10: Made a crucial intervention to deny De Cordova-Reid late on.

Thomas Partey – 6/10: Sat deep and protected the defense but tired as the game went on.

Martin Odegaard – 7/10: Showed quality in attacking areas but capable of more influence.

Declan Rice – 6/10: Improved after halftime but failed to dominate the midfield as expected.

Ethan Nwaneri – 8/10: Arsenal’s best player alongside Merino. Created several chances, hit the post, and provided the assist for the opener.

Leandro Trossard – 5/10: Struggled as a makeshift striker and missed two good first-half chances.

Raheem Sterling – 4/10: Poor performance, looking a shadow of his former self. Unsurprisingly substituted first.

Substitutes

Mikel Merino – 8/10: Changed the game with two well-taken goals after coming on.

Jorginho – 6/10: Brought on to add control in midfield.

Riccardo Calafiori – 7/10: Key role in second goal with driving run through midfield.

Kieran Tierney – 6/10: Played on the wing for closing minutes.