Arsenal returned to winning ways on Saturday afternoon, securing a 4-2 win over Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners dominated the first half and took the lead when Jurriën Timber laid a low cross to Gabriel Martinelli, who scored his first Premier League goal of the season with an accurate finish. Martinelli was a regular source of inspiration for the home side’s attack in the first 45 minutes and he was involved again before the break when he put Leandro Trossard ahead to make it 2-0.

Manager Mikel Arteta appeared comfortable as his side had 76% possession at the end of the first half, but it was only moments after the restart that the Foxes responded with James Justin’s shot from a Facundo Buonanotte free-kick deflected in off Kai Havertz.

Leicester City goalkeeper Mads Hermansen kept his side in the game with saves from Gabriel Magalhães and then Trossard before a spectacular effort from Justin past the post equalized. Hermansen was involved again when a poor pass from behind allowed Declan Rice to play in Trossard, but the 29-year-old was able to parry his shot.

Raheem Sterling and Ethan Nwaneri were brought on as Arsenal looked for a late winner and after Hermansen saved again from Riccardo Calafiori, it was one corner too many in the 94th minute when Trossard’s shot deflected in off Wilfred Ndidi to put the game away to win . Havertz added a late goal and sealed the final point with one of the final shots of the game.

Positive

Arsenal’s win puts them level on points with Manchester City as they continued to show that they can win games late while also being the league’s best at converting set pieces. Also noteworthy was the performance of Bukayo Saka, who had an almost flawless performance on the day.

Negatives

There were a few moments where the concentration could have been better, as Calafiori took a chance on a yellow card – but these were only minor detriments to an otherwise convincing performance.

Manager rating (1-10)

Mikel Arteta, 7 – Arteta’s side created more than enough chances to win the game and the Arsenal manager was unlucky when his side conceded after a deflected set-piece and a spectacular goal. Some might argue that he could have brought Sterling on earlier, but the Gunners actually had a huge chance to retake the lead a minute before he came on.

Player Ratings (1-10; 10: Best. Players introduced after 70 minutes will not receive a rating)

GK David Raya, 5 — There was little for Raya to do as Arsenal dominated the first half, but shortly after the restart he had to pick the ball out of his net as Leicester City converted a free-kick.

DF Riccardo Calafiori, 6 — The Italy international combined well with Martinelli as he advanced down the left and was encouraged to shoot by the crowd at the Emirates Stadium following his appearance against Manchester City last week. He could have gone closer to Justin before his attack and was also careless in a few tackles, which might have resulted in him being sent off on another day. He almost scored the winning goal with a powerful header, but was denied by Hermansen.

DF Gabriel Magalhães, 6 — Gabriel, as always, was a constant threat from set pieces and almost scored when he forced a save from Hermansen. Calm in possession of the ball and helped his team to quickly resume attacks after receiving the ball.

DF William Saliba, 7 – A strong performance from Saliba saw him regularly win the ball back with aggressive tackles high up the pitch, allowing Arsenal to maintain the pressure as their opponents looked to clear the danger. Was involved in the first goal when he challenged Jamie Vardy for a foul in front of the Gunners’ goal, but there didn’t seem to be too much of it. Booked in the second half for a foul on Vardy.

DF Jurriën Timber, 7 — Timber performed well against Leicester City’s counter-attack attempts and did well against the threat of Stephy Mavididi. Registered an assist with a low cross passed across the penalty area to Martinelli.

MF Thomas Partey, 6 – He kept things moving in midfield by passing the ball to Arsenal’s more creative players, but didn’t have too much to do defensively as most of Leicester City’s attacks came down the flanks.

MF Declan Reis, 7 — An all-round strong performance in midfield helped Rice control the game and continually win the ball back, impressing with his decision-making ability. Played after a big mistake from Hermansen at Trossard and was unlucky not to get an assist after the goalkeeper made amends with a save.

MF Kai Havertz, 6 – The 25-year-old controlled his runs well into the penalty area and was able to hit several crosses, but was unable to bother the goalkeeper. He also stood too deep for a Leicester City free kick and deflected Justin’s shot into his own goal. He got on the scoresheet late on and sealed Arsenal’s 4-2 win.

FW Gabriel Martinelli, 8 – Martinelli always looked to beat his opponent down the left flank, providing a regular opportunity there when Arsenal won the ball back high up the pitch. He got everything going with a strong finish from Timber’s low cross and then acted as provider to assist Trossard as the Gunners made it 2-0. Replaced by Sterling in the second half.

FW Leandro Trossard, 8 – The Belgian international took clever positions throughout and was rewarded at the end of the first half when he finished Martinelli’s cutback with precision. Wasted a great chance in the second half, but made up for it with his shot that deflected into the goal in the 94th minute.

FW Bukayo Saka, 9 – There was always a feeling that something could happen when Saka had the ball on the right flank, where Leicester City even struggled to cope with the 23-year-old when they tried to double-attack him. Impressed with beating his man on the line and cutting inside, he consistently carried the ball into dangerous areas before opening up shooting opportunities for himself and his teammates.

Substitute players (players are substituted after 70 minutes = no scoring)

Raheem Sterling (One for Martinelli, 74″), N/R — Positive in possession and tried to beat his opponent down the line but couldn’t get his balls into the box.

Ethan Nwaneri (Partey, 85″), N/R — He got the crowd going with a confident performance that immediately caused a stir, and he was involved in helping win the corner that put Leicester under huge pressure.

Gabriel Jesus (Trossard, 98″) N/R — Introduced when Arsenal wanted to play out the rest of the game.