Premier League: Foxes’ Flight a Timely Reminder for Arteta’s Arsenal

Leicester City vs Arsenal

I remember reading an article in 2006 which said that Arsene Wenger would not win a league title with Arsenal again.

This remember, was less than two years after the ‘Invincibles’ went through a whole Premier League season unbeaten and actually three months before the Frenchman guided the Gunners to their first and only ever Champions League Final.

The essence of what the writer was saying, however, has been proved correct.

In fact, until Sir Alex Ferguson retired – the Scot of course made a mockery of that journalist’s prediction – Wenger did not lift a single trophy again.

Three FA Cups in four years swiftly followed before Wenger retired but Arsenal have not been competing at the very top table for prizes for some time.

In fact, over the past five years, the much-smaller Leicester City have been champions of England and added an FA Cup and Charity Shield for good measure in recent months.

No wonder then that this fixture is now a game many connected with the Midlanders expect to win.

Talking Points

Certainly, it is a fixture which has delivered plenty of highlights even before the Foxes’ resurgence.

After a poor run, the Foxes have picked up positive Premier League 2021 results of late, not least after putting four past Manchester United a week and a half ago.

opacity 0

CLICK HERE
TO SEE UPDATED ODDS

Serie A

That was followed by the previously little known Patson Daka’s European exploits before Youri Tielemans did it again at Brentford.

To me and many others, he is Leicester’s best player and nobody of their persuasion will sleep especially soundly until talks over a new contract are concluded successfully.

As for Daka, it remains early days but there are signs he could be the long-term Jamie Vardy replacement Leicester need.

In the past, Leicester did not have a frontman who could ease the burden if Vardy was missing, but that could be changing.

Yes it is true that Daka, who came on for Vardy at half time on Sunday and set up James Maddison to score Leicester’s winner, joined the club from RB Salzburg in the summer with a huge reputation.

The Zambian scored more goals (27) than any other player in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and attracted attention from a host of Europe’s top clubs with Leicester winning the race for the 23-year-old, signing him for £22-M on a five-year deal.

He may have only played 84 minutes across Leicester’s opening nine matches in the Premier League, 45 of which came against Brentford on Sunday, and Vardy remains incredibly consistent for a player of his age.

But the club needs to plan for the future and a long-term partnership between Daka and Kelechi Iheanacho is exciting and one to watch.

As for Arsenal, after pressure which increased following three straight defeats at the start of the campaign, Arteta is slowly starting to see signs of progress again with the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta's men have won their last Premier League match against Arsenal — Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta during their match against Aston Villa

Some of their fans think the blueprint for a successful season but question whether Arteta’s men can deliver consistency, coupled with a level of intensity and aggression.

This will be another test of that theory.

History

When Leicester won on Arsenal turf in October last year, it not only sent shockwaves around the Premier League but was their first triumph against them in North London since 1973.

Arsenal gained revenge in the Midlands in February when David Luiz, Alexandre Lacazette, and Nicolas Pepe scored three quick goals in a 3-1 win.

They have won 67 of their clashes since the very first meeting in 1895 in the old League Division Two when Leicester Fosse defeated Woolwich Arsenal 3-1.

Overall, Leicester have 33 successes and a further 45 meetings have ended all square.

The Foxes have won three of their last four league games at home to the Gunners though, including a few seasons ago when Vardy and Maddison were the scorers in a 2-0 success.

Betting Tip

	Leicester City vs Arsenal	1X2 Draw @ 3.35
	October 30, 19:30 (GMT+8)

The SBOTOP Premier League 2021 betting odds edge towards a home win with Leicester priced 1X2 @ 2.50 and Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 2.26.

The odds are also attractive for Arsenal who can be backed 1X2 @ 2.72 and Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 2.38.

For two sides who rarely are involved in goalless draws, over 2.75 goals is available @ 2.12 as is total goal 2-3 @ 1.91 and 4-6 @ 3.35.

If Arsenal are to run out 3-1 winners again, then you will receive odds @ 24.00, while Correct Score odds of another 2-0 home win will pay out @ 13.50.

Overall, I think this will be a tight contest, so I am going for a draw here.