Arsenal vs Leicester result: Player ratings as Jamie Vardy snatches victory for the Foxes

Leicester City completed the perfect smash and grab against Arsenal as Jamie Vardy came off the bench to score a late winner at the Emirates. 

Arsenal dominated the vast majority of the game but, as has become a worrying trend, lacked a defining creative influence to take advantage of their possession. 

Vardy, starting on the bench as he recovers from injury, was introduced for the final half-an-hour and his presence immediately struck fear into the heart of Arsenal’s defence. 

When the goal came in the dying stages, it already had a feeling of inevitability, Youri Tielemans springing the offside trap, with new signing Cengiz Under setting up Vardy for a headed finish. 

Here are our player ratings from the game:

Bernd Leno - 5: A nervous clearance almost gifted James Maddison an early goal, and the German never seemed totally assured after an error-prone performance during the week. 

Hector Bellerin - 5: Was fortunate not to receive a second yellow card after a reckless slide tackle on James Justin.

David Luiz - 7: Was clearly instructed to play long diagonal balls from deep by Arteta, which consistently provoked danger in attack. He was solid in defence, too, before being withdrawn early due to a thigh injury. 

Gabriel - 6: Was a strong presence at the heart of Arsenal’s defence and has adapted to Premier League football well. 

Granit Xhaka - 5: Was forced to play in an unorthodox role in defence and adapted very well under difficult circumstances, but was eventually caught out on the counter for Leicester’s goal.

Kieran Tierney - 7: Typically impressive, whether operating as a wing-back or central defender, and offered a good outlet going forwards.

Thomas Partey - 7: Already the clear heartbeat in Arsenal’s midfield, the Ghanaian adds a solidity and structure, even if his influence wasn’t as great as his impressive full debut against Rapid Vienna.

Dani Ceballos - 5: A few sloppy passes led to unnecessary moments of worry for Arsenal’s defence.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - 6: Isolated for large periods of the game, a consequence of Arteta’s system rather than the captain’s own determination. 

Alexandre Lacazette - 5: Pressed well up front but failed to truly capitalise when chances presented themselves. 

Bukayo Saka - 6: A few bright moments in the first half but lacked end product and faded before being replaced by Nicolas Pepe.

Kasper Schmeichel - 6: Had little to do for the vast majority of the game, but made a fine save to deny Bellerin’s second-half volley. 

Timothy Castagne - 6: Was always dangerous in attack and was composed in defence aside from a few early scares when Saka broke forwards. 

Wesley Fofana - 8: Young French centre-back was brilliant throughout, never flustered and great with the ball at his feet, too. Another fantastic signing by the Foxes. 

Jonny Evans - 7: An assured performance from the Foxes’ defensive veteran, whose experience and nous spreads throughout the pitch. 

Christian Fuchs - 6: Was great and composed, too, outwitting Arsenal’s attack and rarely ceding ground.  

James Justin - 6: Another consummate display from the 22-year-old, who’s attacking game continues to evolve in tandem with an already reliable defensive base.

Nampalys Mendy - 7: Wilfred Ndidi has left huge shoes to fill, but Mendy continues to defy initial expectations and is flourishing as the midfield guardian. 

Youri Tielemans - 7: A magnificent pass set Cengiz Under free for the winner. The creative metronome with terrific vision.

Dennis Praet - 6: Hassled and harried, slightly short of end product in comparison to his midfield partners, but provided the perfect balance. 

James Maddison - 6: Continues to improve after a long layoff, floating in front of Arsenal’s defence, even if he is yet to refind his very best form. 

Harvey Barnes - 5: Worked relentlessly as a makeshift lone striker in Jamie Vardy’s initial absence, but struggled to make a significant impression.

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