Arsenal scored twice in stoppage time to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory over Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium, keeping the pressure on current Premier League leaders Liverpool.
First Half: Arsenal Dominate Early
Arsenal took control early in the game, and their dominance paid off in the 25th minute when Gabriel Martinelli steered Jurrien Timber's cross into the net, giving the Gunners a well-deserved lead. Leicester struggled to gain a foothold in the match, managing only one touch in Arsenal’s penalty area before halftime.
On the stroke of halftime, Martinelli turned provider, setting up Leandro Trossard to double Arsenal's advantage, sending Mikel Arteta’s side into the break 2-0 up and seemingly in cruise control.
Second Half: Leicester Fight Back
Leicester came out of the blocks quickly in the second half, and within two minutes, James Justin pulled one back. His header from a Facundo Buonanotte free-kick deflected off Kai Havertz, wrong-footing David Raya and bringing the Foxes back into the game.
Justin wasn't done there. In the 62nd minute, he scored again, this time with a stunning swerving volley that beat Raya via the inside of the post, levelling the match at 2-2.
Stoppage Time Drama
Arsenal responded to Leicester’s resurgence with intense pressure, and Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen was forced into two brilliant saves to keep the Foxes level, denying both Havertz and Trossard.
However, deep into stoppage time, Arsenal's persistence paid off. Trossard's late strike was deflected by Ndidi into his own net, putting Arsenal back in front in the 94th minute. Just minutes later, Havertz sealed the victory from close range after a scramble in the box, making it 3-2.
The dramatic victory keeps Arsenal within one point of league leaders Liverpool and level on points with Manchester City, who were held by Newcastle earlier in the day. Leicester, meanwhile, will be left wondering how they let a valuable point slip away after their spirited second-half comeback.
Key Moments:
25' Goal – Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal 1-0 Leicester): Martinelli taps in from Jurrien Timber's cross to give Arsenal a deserved lead.
45+2' Goal – Leandro Trossard (Arsenal 2-0 Leicester): Martinelli assists again, this time setting up Trossard for a second just before halftime.
47' Goal – James Justin (Arsenal 2-1 Leicester): Justin heads in from Buonanotte’s free-kick, with Havertz’s deflection making it awkward for Raya.
62' Goal – James Justin (Arsenal 2-2 Leicester): Justin scores his second with a stunning volley to level the match.
90+4' Own Goal – Wilfred Ndidi (Arsenal 3-2 Leicester): Trossard’s effort deflects off Ndidi to hand Arsenal a late lead.
90+9' Goal – Kai Havertz (Arsenal 3-2 Leicester): Havertz seals the win with a close-range finish after a late scramble.
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