Feature

#ARSLEI: Four things we noticed

Ceballos

DANI x SAKA x AUBA

It wasn't the matchwinner we wanted it to be, but our goal was a thing of beauty. Perhaps not quite on the same level as that sensational Ozil-inspired effort against Leicester last season, but like that goal it ended with a tap-in for Aubameyang at the end of a flowing move. Ceballos was the catalyst, drifting past his marker to curve a perfectly-weighted ball into Saka's path. The teenager checked back briefly before accelerating past Jonny Evans in a movement that floored the experienced centre back. Saka kept his cool to pick out Auba and, so sure was he that a goal was imminent, Lacazette was celebrating before his strike partner made contact. Mikel Arteta's joyful celebration said it all - this was a move and a moment to savour.

SILKY CEBALLOS

That moment of inspiration from Ceballos capped an outstanding display from our on-loan central midfielder. He's been impressive since the restart - especially at Wolves on Saturday - and scaled even greater heights against Leicester. Patrolling the right channel, Ceballos linked particularly well with the adventurous Bellerin and his passing was precise and expansive all night. He switched play intelligently to find the advanced Tierney and worked well in tandem with Xhaka as they closed down relentlessly when the visitors had the ball. It's striking that Ceballos had the most touches (68) and passes (44) but he also recovered the ball more than any teammate. The Spaniard regained possession eight times in the first half alone, and 11 overall. "He was superb again," said Arteta.

LACA LEGWORK

If Kaspar Schmeichel hadn't been in inspired form, Laca would have had one and possibly two goals on Tuesday night. But we can't ignore the vital role our No 9 played in our dominant first-half display. Laca dropped deep to help us nullify the impact of Ndidi at the base of Leicester's midfield, and he held the ball up superbly well, backing in and fending off a Leicester defence that doesn't give an inch, before spinning and picking out the likes of Saka. Laca hasn't scored as many goals as he'd like but he does a lot of legwork - and he'll be a vital figure now Nketiah and Martinelli are missing.

Laca

ASSIST ME SAKA

"He is really precise in the final third... the picture is clear for him." That was Arteta's explanation of Saka's incredible assist stats this season after the 18-year-old set up another goal for Auba. That took him to 12 assists in all competitions, a tally only better by seasoned Premier League performers Kevin De Bruyne (19) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (14).

Saka
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