
<p>Gabriel Martinelli’s second-half goal gave Arsenal a vital away win against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Saturday afternoon. </p>



<p>The crucial victory means that the Gunners now lead reigning Champions Manchester City by 5 points at the summit of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> standings.</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">FULL-TIME Leicester 0-1 Arsenal<br><br>Gabriel Martinelli&apos;s goal early in the second half sends Arsenal five points clear at the top <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LEIARS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LEIARS</a> <a href="https://t.co/IzJI8qrFSM">pic.twitter.com/IzJI8qrFSM</a></p>— Premier League (@premierleague) <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/1629525089463984131?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h5>Arsenal dominate from beginning to end</h5>



<p>Mikel Arteta’s side dominated possession right from the go and appeared to have taken the lead in the 26<sup>th</sup> minute when January signing Leandro Trossard smacked in a delightful finish in the top corner following Bukayo Saka’s in-swinging corner. </p>



<p>However, the away side’s joy was short-lived as <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/arsenal-leicester-trossard-var-disallowed-29312023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VAR chalked off</a> the goal after replays suggested that Ben White had fouled Leicester goalkeeper Danny Ward leading to the goal.</p>



<p>Three minutes later, the hosts had the ball in the back of the net again, but the effort was ruled out for offside. </p>



<p>Oleksandr Zinchenko had given the ball away to Tete; the Brazilian played through Kelechi Iheanacho, who kept his composure and chipped Arron Ramsdale to put the ball in the back of the net. </p>



<p>However, the striker had made his run too early and was yards offside much to the frustration of the home faithful.</p>



<p>Arsenal were by far the better of the two sides playing with composure in the middle of the park and dominating possession with their wide range of passing.</p>



<h5>Arsenal make fast start to second half</h5>



<p>Just seconds after the restart, Martinelli finally gave <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/arsenal-tv-schedule/">Arsenal</a> the lead with a smart finish. &nbsp;</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Gabriel Martinelli fires Arsenal into the lead but stays down holding his knee after the goal. <br><br>📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/peacock?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@peacock</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MyPLMorning?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MyPLMorning</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LEIARS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LEIARS</a> <a href="https://t.co/8BMcP2Jerv">pic.twitter.com/8BMcP2Jerv</a></p>— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1629513342111956994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Trossard found the Brazilian winger with a toe poke pass, and the 21-year-old burst into the box with a darting run and then curled his effort into the bottom corner beyond the helpless Ward. </p>



<p>Arsenal thought they had gone 2-0 up 10 minutes later when Saka scored, but the goal-scorer, Martinelli, was offside.</p>



<p>The home side hardly came close to restoring parity as the Londoners grabbed yet another away win following their last week’s thrilling victory over Aston Villa. </p>



<p>Arteta’s side now lead the pack with 57 points from 24 games, whilst Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester are in 14<sup>th</sup> with 24 points, continuing their disappointing campaign.</p>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO / Action Plus</p>


Gabriel Martinelli’s second-half goal gave Arsenal a vital away win against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Arsenal continue title charge with narrow win against Leicester - World Soccer Talk

Arsenal continue title charge with narrow win against Leicester

<div id="attachment_365243" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="image"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-365243" class="wp-caption-text">Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images</p></div>
<p>Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang last featured for Arsenal a month ago. Now, it seems he may never play for the Gunners again.</p>
<p>The 32-year-old star striker began his time in north London as one of the club’s top players. Aubameyang arrived at the Emirates widely regarded as one of the best number nines in the world. The Gabon international managed to rack up 54 goals in his first 85 Premier League matches with Arsenal.</p>
<p>Not only did Aubameyang score with ease in the first two-and-a-half years with the Gunners, but he scored important goals as well. Most notably, he netted all four of his club’s goals in the semifinals and the final of the FA Cup during the 2019/20 campaign. His <em>Man of the Match</em> performances in these games guided the Gunners to their record-fourteenth FA Cup victory.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, the Gabon international’s steep drop in production since this FA Cup final put him out of favor for Mikel Arteta.</p>
<h5>Disappointing performances in recent seasons</h5>
<p>Aubameyang suffered illnesses and injuries en route to a lackluster 2020/21 season. His 10 league goals became his lowest tally during a full season since his freshman campaign in Ligue 1 over a decade ago. It was also in this 2020/21 season that Aubameyang missed out on a massive matchup with bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Injuries were not the cause. Rather disciplinary reasons regarding showing up late to the game. This would obviously not be the last time the forward, and captain of Arsenal, was in trouble with his manager.</p>
<p>When Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta decided to freeze out Aubameyang from the team last month for additional disciplinary reasons, most pundits and fans assumed the move would negatively affect the north London club. After all, a pair of <a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.us/pierre-emerick-aubameyang/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/58864" target="_blank" rel="noopener">22-goal seasons</a> preceded the poor 2020/21 campaign.</p>
<p>This, however, has not been the case. As 2021 turned to 2022, the Gunners won five of their last six matches. Additionally, Arteta’s side look to be a much more threatening side going forward without their captain and highest-paid player. So how could Arsenal be playing better without Aubameyang? It appears to be down to tactics and team play.</p>
<h3>Arsenal without Aubameyang</h3>
<p>It is no secret that Arteta clearly needs his players to be good passers of the ball. This is particularly true as the Gunners advance forward. The Spaniard wants Arsenal to play quick and incisive passes, especially out wide with either the full backs or wingers. Movement and space is key here.</p>
<p>Historically, Aubameyang is clinical as a finisher. Yet, passing seems to be secondary to his skill set. As a result of Aubameyang’s various absences, Arteta employed one of, or even both, Alexandre Lacazette or Gabriel Martinelli. Lacazette and Martinelli link up with the midfield and each other better than Aubameyang.</p>
<p>Another area that Arteta focuses on is pressuring his opponents when Arsenal lose the ball. This is imperative to play for the Spaniard. Arteta comes from the school of Pep Guardiola where possession is principal. If your team has the ball, hold on to it. If not, urgently get it back. And, again, both Lacazette and Martinelli are clearly more prosperous in pressing and being a nuisance to the opposing players.</p>
<div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-365195" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20220106_WST_365183_Screen-Shot-2022-01-05-at-1.47.09-PM.webp&amp;width=653&amp;height=381" alt="Arsenal without Aubameyang" width="653" height="381" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/01/Screen-Shot-2022-01-05-at-1.47.09-PM.png 653w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/01/Screen-Shot-2022-01-05-at-1.47.09-PM-300x175.png 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/01/Screen-Shot-2022-01-05-at-1.47.09-PM-600x350.png 600w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/01/Screen-Shot-2022-01-05-at-1.47.09-PM-150x88.png 150w" sizes="(max-width: 653px) 100vw, 653px"></figure></div>
<p>The team’s improvement in these areas are clearly directly impacting Arsenal’s performances over the last month. Arsenal are averaging 3.0 goals per Premier League game since Aubameyang was relegated to the sidelines. This is compared to the Gunners averaging just 1.2 goals per match in the 15 league games prior.</p>
<p>There are a number of reasons for Arsenal’s recent form, including <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/12/20/arsenals-youth-project-continues-to-produce-results/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">development of young transfer window newcomers</a> and the resurgence of the midfield. However, the final third’s jump is particularly noticeable. Also, keep in mind that Gabriel Martinelli is just 20, showing room for improvement with decent statistics as things stand.</p>
<h5>Aubameyang and Arsenal’s future</h5>
<p>Arteta acknowledged the differences in his team’s play in recent matches following their 5-0 thumping of Norwich.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“We are scoring more goals because we are getting into those positions in much better condition,” </em>Arteta said.</p>
<p><em>“Every process is done much, much better, and I guess better positioning and chances to the strikers. At the moment they are being really effective.”</em></p></blockquote>
<p>With the January transfer window in full effect, reports claim Arsenal is shopping Aubameyang around. Potential suitors get a lethal goal-scorer from years prior, but there are certain drawbacks. Issues with his disciplinary record, lofty wages and recent decline in output could turn teams away.</p>
<p>Regardless, it remains apparent that it is in the best interests of both parties for Arsenal to continue without Aubameyang in its plans.</p>
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<div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https:\/\/soundcloud.com/worldsoccertalk" title="World Soccer Talk Podcast" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener">World Soccer Talk Podcast</a> · <a href="https:\/\/soundcloud.com/worldsoccertalk/interview-with-arseblogs-andrew-mangan-about-arsenal" title="Interview with ArseBlog&apos;s Andrew Mangan about Arsenal" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener">Interview with ArseBlog&apos;s Andrew Mangan about Arsenal</a></div>


Arsenal without Aubameyang, its captain and perhaps most-famous player, are currently fighting for a top-four spot in the Premier League.

How Arsenal actually improve without Aubameyang - World Soccer Talk

How Arsenal actually improve without Aubameyang

<div id="attachment_362953" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="image"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-362953" class="wp-caption-text">Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images</p></div>
<p>Arsenal’s youth project dominated headlines to start the season.</p>
<p>An expensive, but young, batch of <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/09/02/grading-europes-biggest-clubs-on-their-transfer-window-signings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">transfer acquisitions</a> provided the Gunners the youngest squad in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta had the options at his disposal for natural development of players. The question remained as to how well they would fit in with the squad.</p>
<p>Once again, the highest-paid player at Arsenal is in exile. This time around, it’s probably for the best.</p>
<h5>Poor Leadership</h5>
<p>Mikel Arteta left Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out of the matchday squad against Southampton on December 11. The Athletic reported Arteta made the decision due to the striker returning late from a trip abroad.</p>
<p>Moreover, this is not Aubameyang’s first punishment for off-the-field issues. Last season, Aubameyang failed to crack the starting lineup for the North London Derby because of disciplinary reasons. Arsenal went on to <a href="https:\/\/www.espn.com/soccer/lineups?gameId=578388" target="_blank" rel="noopener">defeat Tottenham, 2-1</a>.</p>
<p>Since Aubmeyang’s recent dismissal, the Gunners picked up nine points in three games. A&nbsp; against Southampton, top-four challengers West Ham and Leeds. The club stripped Aubameyang <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/12/14/aubameyang-stripped-of-arsenal-captaincy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">of his captaincy</a> after the Southampton game.</p>
<p>Next month, the Gabonese international will go to Cameroon to play in the African Cup of Nations. His current banishment from the club helps the team play fluid, attacking soccer instead of always looking for the 2018-19 Premier League Golden Boot winner to score.</p>
<h3>Arsenal’s youth project in action</h3>
<p>Forward Gabriel Martinelli is the biggest beneficiary from decision to bench Aubameyang. The 2020 Olympic gold medalist has started in five of their last six matches and contributed four goals, two against Leeds, and two assists. Manager Mikel Arteta is impressed with his development. He spoke highly of the Brazilian following the Leeds game.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“He’s come a long, long way because his energy, his passion, his commitment, it doesn’t get much better than that ever, but there are other aspects in the game that he’s had to develop and maintain the ones that he’s exceptional at, like today, because when he has chances, he puts them away.”</em></p></blockquote>
<p>England internationals Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe also scored against the West Yorkshire-based club. The occasion marked the first time three Gunners aged 21 or younger scored in the same Premier League match.</p>
<p>While the youngsters are playing well, they are given the freedom to play because of a wily veteran.</p>
<h5>The Resurgence</h5>
<p>It is harsh, but, generally speaking, Alexandre Lacazette is a flop since his arrival at the Emirates. Arsene Wenger dropped a hefty <a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.us/alexandre-lacazette/transfers/spieler/93720" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$58 million</a> for the Frenchman’s services in 2017.</p>
<p>Now, he is in the last year of his contract, but he is essential to the team’s attack. The Frenchman scores the occasional goal. His strengths are his hold-up play, his link-up play with the forwards and creating space for the midfielders to play in the final third. Essentially, it is the things that do not appear on the scoresheet that allow Lacazette to contribute to Arteta’s side.</p>
<p>In what is now his fifth season, Lacazette failed to live up to his goal-scoring prowess he exhibited at Lyon. In the Leeds game, Lacazette picked up his <a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.us/alexandre-lacazette/leistungsdaten/spieler/93720/plus/0?saison=2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener">100th goal contribution</a> with an assist, arriving in his 186th game with the club. A decent output, certainly, but he must continue to find his role in Arteta’s side. After all, he assumed the captaincy of that Leeds contest.</p>
<p>Martin Ødegaard has thrived with Lacazette leading the line. The Norwegian has two assists in the last three games while giving the club a dose of creativity they haven’t had since Mesut Ozil.</p>
<p>In the summer, Arsenal revamped their transfer policy by signing six players who were 23 and younger. Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and defenders Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu solidify the backline. Additionally, left-back Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga provide depth via rotational toles. While the team is getting younger, veterans are still needed to provide experience and leadership.</p>
<h5>Redemption</h5>
<p>Granit Xhaka shares the burden of losing the captaincy of Arsenal. In the summer, it seemed like he was headed to Roma to play for Jose Mourinho. Instead, the Swiss international signed a new contract. Fortunately for him and Arsenal, his performances set him as one of the best midfielders for the Gunners in this campaign. Since returning from injury, Xhaka started in every match and his all-around play is crucial.</p>
<blockquote><p>“<em>We have a lot of young players, and you can see the hunger in them. But as well, the experienced players like me, like Thomas (Partey) for example in the middle, we have to take them to the side, we have to speak with them,” </em>Xhaka told The Independent.</p></blockquote>
<h5>Patience</h5>
<p>While Arsenal’s youth project is already paying dividends, Mikel Artets must keep everything in perspective. It becomes dangerous when there is an overreliance on players who are still developing. This is especially the case at FC Barcelona, where an overuse of Pedri in 2020/21 yielded an injury sidelining the midfielder for practically this entire campaign thus far.</p>
<p>Arteta understands this and knows it is his duty to protect them.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“There’s no point exposing a player even when there’s a lot of opinions that it has to be done because it won’t be beneficial for the player. And in the end, we are here to protect the player and develop the players that we have in the best possible way.”</em></p></blockquote>
<p>As of now, Aubameyang does not look like he will feature for the club in the foreseeable future. He can learn from Xhaka and see that he can find his way back into the team if he is willing to change his ways. Arsenal are currently fourth place and will try to get back into the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">Champions League</a> for the first time since 2016. With Arsenal’s youth movement paving the way, that goal is within reach approaching the halfway point in the season.</p>
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Arsenal's youth project seemed like a bold play at the start of the season, but it could set up Arsenal for the future, and the present.

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