There are moments in football where history feels like it’s repeating itself, and last night at the Emirates was one of those moments. I took my wife to the game—she’s been my lucky charm in the past, having witnessed Arsenal’s emphatic 5-2 victory over Tottenham and another high-scoring win against Leicester City. So when we left the Emirates last night with a 4-2 victory over Leicester, I couldn’t help but smile at the familiar scoreline.
As we approached the final moments of the game, with the score tied at 2-2 and time running out, my wife turned to me and confidently said, “Don’t worry, they’re going to score. I have a feeling.” Moments later, Leandro Trossard’s last-minute winner found the back of the net, securing three crucial points for Arsenal and keeping us on the toes of Manchester City and Liverpool.
These moments are rare, and last-gasp winners have never been Arsenal’s calling card, even during this recent spell of title contention. Yet, the belief that has grown in the squad since Mikel Arteta’s reign is palpable, and yesterday, it felt like destiny. After suffering the gut-punch of a last-minute goal against us just a week ago, this time it was Arsenal who snatched victory from the jaws of a disappointing draw, and oh, how much we deserved it.
Arsenal’s Dominance from Start to Finish
A quick glance at the stats tells the story of Arsenal’s dominance. The Gunners fired off 36 shots against Leicester, a number that ranks among the top ten most attempts by any team in Premier League history. The barrage of chances wasn’t just hopeful long-range efforts either; there were quality opportunities created throughout the match. Martinelli, Havertz, and Calafiori were among those who came close, but it was Leicester’s goalkeeper, Hermansen, who had a night to remember, making an astounding 13 saves to keep his side in the game.
From the first whistle, it was clear Leicester had come to defend deep, absorbing Arsenal’s relentless pressure. And for a while, their plan worked. With Arsenal hogging possession—76% by halftime—it became a game of attack versus defense. Martinelli’s goal in the 20th minute shifted the dynamics. It was a much-needed goal for the Brazilian, who had struggled to make an impact in recent weeks. His opener allowed Arsenal to dictate the tempo, forcing Leicester to step out of their defensive shell. By halftime, Trossard had doubled the lead, and Arsenal appeared to be cruising.
The Unpredictable Nature of Football
Football, however, is never that straightforward. Just two minutes into the second half, Leicester won a free kick. Although many will argue Vardy went down too easily, resulting in a harsh booking for Saliba, it mattered little when the set-piece was whipped in, took a deflection off Justin’s head, and nestled into the net. Suddenly, Leicester was back in it at 2-1, and Arsenal had a game on their hands.
Minutes later, against the run of play, Leicester grabbed an equalizer. Justin, who had been fortunate with the first goal, smashed in a sensational second. Two shots on target, two goals for Leicester. It felt like a cruel twist of fate for Arsenal, especially given how dominant they had been up to that point.
A Test of Arsenal’s Resolve
At 2-2, with more than 30 minutes left to play, the game tested Arsenal’s resolve. But this team, under Arteta, has developed a steeliness that wasn’t there in years past. Nwaneri came on and injected energy, forcing a superb save from Hermansen. Calafiori tested the Leicester keeper again, while Havertz nearly flicked one in from close range. As the minutes ticked away, it seemed as though Arsenal would be left frustrated once again.
But just as the fans began to resign themselves to a draw, Trossard, ever the poacher, pounced. His effort deflected off Ndidi and rolled past Hermansen to give Arsenal a 3-2 lead in the dying moments. The Emirates erupted, and just when Leicester thought it couldn’t get worse, Havertz sealed the win with a goal of his own, making it 4-2.
The Victory’s Significance
This was more than just a win; it was a statement of intent. The result keeps Arsenal level with Manchester City and just a couple of points off Liverpool, two teams that have enjoyed easier fixtures thus far. As Arsenal prepare to face PSG in the Champions League next weekend, the confidence gained from this hard-fought victory will be invaluable.
Seasons are built on moments like these, where a team is pushed to its limits but emerges stronger. Arsenal were punished by Leicester for the few mistakes they made, but their relentless pressure and desire to win carried them over the line.
As the final whistle blew, it felt like the team had turned a corner. They weren’t perfect, but they showed the kind of grit and determination needed to challenge for the Premier League title. And with tougher games behind them, Arsenal can look forward to the rest of the season with renewed optimism.
It was a deserved win, one built on persistence and belief, and one that might just prove pivotal come May.