Arsenal did something no other Premier League side has managed this season in Leicester victory

Arsenal’s victory over Leicester City was a stressful one, as the Gunners left it late before they found their winning goals.

Although Arsenal were 2-0 up by half-time, Leicester somehow levelled the score as James Justin scored a brace, which included a sensational volley, and the home side appeared to be heading towards a shock draw.

Leandro Trossard forced an own goal from Wilfried Ndidi, before Kai Havertz made it 4-2 in the closing stages to hand Mikel Arteta’s side a deserved win.

Despite Leicester equalising, anything other than an Arsenal win would have been surprising given their dominance in the game, and this is reflected in one key stat.

Arsenal rank top of Premier League in expected goals in Leicester win

Arsenal recorded an astonishing 36 shots against Leicester, and missed seven big chances as goalkeeper Mads Hermansen was outstanding for the visitors.

This saw Arsenal create a remarkable xG (expected goals) total of 4.12, which is a higher total than any other team has accumulated in any Premier League game this season.

Expected goals measure the quality of chances created, and with Arsenal recording a lot of shots, they should have scored even more, highlighting both Hermansen’s strong display, as well as Arsenal’s inefficiency in front of goal.

Leicester also hardly created anything beyond their goals, with Arsenal pinning them back into their own half, and key dangerman Jamie Vardy was a frustrated figure upfront.

Mikel Arteta silences critics after Arsenal victory

The past week has seen Arsenal’s mentality and tactics criticised, after Arteta set his side up to defend a 2-1 lead away at Manchester City with 10 men.

Many accused Arteta of being too negative as a coach, but this criticism looks even more bizarre now.

Despite missing chief creator Martin Odegaard, Arsenal created more than any other team have at any point this season, and could have easily won by a higher scoreline.

Arsenal are a team who can defend and attack well, and this late win could be crucial in the title race, with Man City dropping points at Newcastle earlier in the day.

Arteta’s side were strong in attack, with Gabriel Martinelli particularly threatening, and they will hope that such dominant performances are rewarded with easier victories in the future.