After contrasting EFL Cup victories earlier in the week, Arsenal and Leicester City are set to face each other in a Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. Both teams come into this fixture following different outcomes in their midweek games. Arsenal secured a commanding 5-1 win against Bolton Wanderers, while Leicester relied on their goalkeeper’s efforts to narrowly defeat Walsall in a tense penalty shootout.
For Arsenal, Wednesday night highlighted their young talent. Facing League One opposition in Bolton, Mikel Arteta gave starting opportunities to four teenagers, none of whom had been born when Arsenal first played at the Emirates. Among them, 16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter made history as the youngest-ever starter for Arsenal’s men’s team. While Porter missed out on a clean sheet in his debut, fellow academy star Ethan Nwaneri scored two goals, and first-team regulars Raheem Sterling, Kai Havertz, and Declan Rice contributed to the emphatic win.
As a reward for their efforts, Arsenal secured a fourth-round EFL Cup match against Preston North End. Their unbeaten run in all competitions this season remains intact. However, Arsenal now shifts focus back to the Premier League, following last week’s dramatic match at the Etihad Stadium, where they were close to defeating Manchester City. Despite Leandro Trossard’s red card forcing Arteta into a defensive approach, Arsenal was denied victory when John Stones equalized in the 98th minute, leaving the match at 2-2.
That draw meant Arsenal missed the chance to overtake Manchester City at the top of the Premier League standings. They currently sit in fourth place, just two points behind the reigning champions. With a 70% win rate in 2024, Arsenal is experiencing one of their best years, matching a record that dates back to 1932. Additionally, the Gunners have an impressive home record against newly-promoted teams, remaining unbeaten in 39 consecutive Premier League games at the Emirates against such opponents since a surprising defeat to Newcastle United in 2010.
While Arsenal’s attacking prowess was evident against Bolton, Leicester struggled to overcome a determined Walsall defense in their midweek EFL Cup tie. The Foxes were held to a goalless draw by their League Two opponents and required penalties to advance. Leicester’s goalkeeper, Danny Ward, delivered a heroic performance, saving three penalties in the shootout. Ward’s penalty-saving skills, which helped Huddersfield Town gain promotion to the Premier League in 2017, proved vital again as Ricardo Pereira, Conor Coady, and Oliver Skipp converted their spot-kicks to secure Leicester’s progression.
Despite advancing in the cup, Leicester’s difficulties against lower-league opposition do little to boost confidence ahead of a much tougher fourth-round tie at Old Trafford next month. More urgently, Leicester needs to improve their Premier League form, as they remain winless this season. Last weekend, they drew 1-1 with Everton in tough weather conditions, leaving them still searching for their first league victory.
Leicester is one of six Premier League teams yet to record a win this season, though they are ranked 15th, the highest of the winless sides, due to their superior goal difference. This is unfamiliar territory for Leicester, as they have only started a Premier League season winless in their 2022-23 relegation campaign.
For Arsenal, Saturday’s match offers an opportunity to extend their dominance over Leicester. The Gunners have won their last five Premier League encounters with the Foxes, and another win would make it six in a row, adding momentum to Arsenal’s strong start as they continue their title pursuit. Leicester, meanwhile, will be eager to end their winless streak and move out of the lower half of the table.