Arsenal celebrated their return to Premier League action with a 2-0 win away at Leicester. It is the perfect response from the Gunners following their desperately disappointing Carabao Cup semi-final defeat to Newcastle as they have cut the gap to leaders Liverpool to four points.
While their performance for much of the game against the Foxes, Mikel Arteta made a second half substitution that turned out to be a masterstroke. Mikel Merino replaced Raheem Sterling with around 20 minutes to go and took up an unfamiliar role as a centre-forward. The Spaniard then scored twice in the space of six minutes to secure a huge win for Arsenal.
Arsenal knew nothing but a win over a Foxes side fighting relegation would do. Failure to claim all three points and their remote chances of usurping Liverpool would surely have look all-but over. Instead, they will sit back and hope the league leaders drop points against Wolves. Read the game back below with our dedicated match blog.
Leicester vs Arsenal latest updates
- GOAL! Merino scores his second
- GOAL! Merino breaks the deadlock
- Arsenal lineup announced: White named in squad, Trossard starts
- Confirmed Leicester XI: Vardy returns
- Prediction
Messi comparisons for Nwaneri
15:01 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneJoe Cole on Ethan Nwaneri to TNT Sports:
"These little touches in and around the box - I don't even want to say it, but it's like Lionel Messi."
Standard Sport's Simon Collings at the King Power Stadium
14:53 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneStandard Sport’s Simon Collings has given his thoughts on Mikel Merino and Arsenal's 2-0 win over Leicester...
🗣 "A player who was signed as a midfielder in the summer, given the situation he came on as an emergency striker and took both his goal really well ."@sr_collings gives his thoughts on Mikel Merino and Arsenal's 2-0 win.
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) February 15, 2025
LIVE: https://t.co/efGTLc2wqs#LEIARS | #AFC pic.twitter.com/ni0bziUzL2
Arsenal player ratings
14:44 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneEthan Nwaneri 8
Arsenal’s best player. Skimmed the cross bar with one effort and smashed the post with another. Setup the winning goal with a great cross.
Leandro Trossard 7
Tasked with leading the line in the absence of Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz. Moved out wide when Merino came on and looked better, setting up the second goal.
Raheem Sterling 4
A poor performance from the winger, who just could not impact the game. Looks desperately short on confidence right now.
Substitutions
Mikel Merino (Sterling 69’) 8 | Star player
Arsenal’s hero. Thrown on upfront due to the club’s injury crisis in attack and scored twice off the bench.
Read our Arsenal player ratings here!
Merino, the hero for Arsenal
14:43 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal have closed the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to four points after a 2-0 win over Leicester.
With no recognised striker available, Mikel Arteta opted for Leandro Trossard to lead the line which meant Ethan Nwaneri and Raheem Sterling - on a rare start - were tasked to provide support from the flanks.
However, the lack of a focal point certainly affected Arsenal in the first-half and Arteta rolled the dice in search of a goal after the break.
Taking off Sterling and replacing him with Mikel Merino in a switch that would prove to be a masterstroke.
FULL-TIME
14:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLeicester 0-2 Arsenal
Mikel Merino the hero for the Gunners.
Leicester 0-2 Arsenal
14:21 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90 min: Four minutes of injury time has been signalled.
Standard Sport's Simon Collings at the King Power Stadium
14:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThat is a low key brilliant finish from Merino. Remarkable impact off the bench from him.
Leicester 0-2 Arsenal | Mikel Merino '87
14:19 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne87 min: ARSENAL SCORE AGAIN
Great goal from back to front for Arsenal, started by Odegaard and finished by Merino with a really composed finish.
Leicester 0-1 Arsenal
14:16 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne84 min: Daka on for Reid.
Jorginho booked for fouling Mavididi. Talk about taking one for the team.
Standard Sport's Simon Collings at the King Power Stadium
14:13 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNwaneri deserves that assist. He has been excellent today. A shining light during a damp game.
GOAL! Leicester 0-1 Arsenal | Mikel Merino '81
14:12 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne81 min: ARSENAL BREAK THE DEADLOCK
Mikel Merino with a huge goal but all the credit must go to Ethan Nwaneri.
Superb cross, even better header. Gunners in front.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
14:07 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne76 min: POST!
Nwaneri is denied by the woodwork, great effort with his weaker right foot. So unlucky.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
14:06 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne75 min: Changes for both sides.
Mavididi, ex-Arsenal replaces Ayew.
Calafiori is on for Lewis-Skelly and Jorginho replaces Partey.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
14:04 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne72 min: WOW
Outstanding clearance from Lewis-Skelly at the back post, De Cordova-Reid had a tap-in.
Huge let-off for Arsenal.
Standard Sport's Simon Collings at the King Power Stadium
14:02 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMerino on as a striker, not sure if the Spaniard would've predicted that when he signed in the summer.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
13:59 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne68 min: First Arsenal change of the afternoon, Merino replaces Sterling.
Not a surprise that, the winger has struggled against Coulibaly
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
13:57 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne66 min: And the free-kick is well defended by Leicester.
At the other end, Reid stings Raya’s hands with an effort from range.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
13:56 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne65 min: Free-kick to Arsenal as Nwaneri draws a foul.
Dangerous position, Odegaard to take...
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
13:54 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne62 min: Superb defensive interventions from Rice and then Timber to deal with Ayew’s cross into the box.
Game is starting to open up now, a draw is no good for Arsenal.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
13:52 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne60 min: CLOSE
Arsenal win the ball back through Rice, Odegaard slips in Nwaneri who cuts in and shoots but his effort is too high.
A couple of inches lower and the Gunners would be ahead.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
13:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne58 min: Rice’s corner is flicked on by Okoli at the near post.
The defender gets his head to the ball again following another delivery from Rice.
Leicester have defended corners very well so far.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
13:48 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne56 min: Jordan Ayew is the second Leicester player in the book as he is shown a yellow card for a foul on Jurrien Timber.
Nwaneri tries to create space for a shot but is crowded out.
Standard Sport's Simon Collings at the King Power Stadium
13:46 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNot sure what Arteta does to change it in attack here. Maybe Merino up top to give them a focal point to play off?
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
13:43 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne52 min: Vital tackle from Ndidi to nick the ball away from Sterling. He had to time that to perfection, otherwise it’s a penalty to Arsenal.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
13:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne49 min: Promising signs for Arsenal as Odegaard picks out Rice’s forward run, he tries to sweep the ball out to Sterling who can’t quite gather the ball in.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
13:37 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne46 min: Back underway at the King Power Stadium
No changes from either side.
Surely this gets better?
First yellow card is shown to El Khannouss for a foul on Partey.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
13:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHalf-time at the King Power Stadium.
It’s goalless, not much else to say other than that.
Standard Sport's Simon Collings at the King Power Stadium
13:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneIf this game ended now, it'd be last on Match of the Day.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
13:19 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne45+3 min: Decent opening for Leicester on the break but Partey makes a good block.
Kristiansen then puts the ball in the box, picking out an unmarked Ndidi who heads it wide.
Big chance!
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
13:17 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne45+1 min: Well that just sums up Sterling’s first-half. He runs the ball out of play!
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
13:16 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne45 min: Four minutes of injury time to play as Nwaneri wins another corner for Arsenal.
He goes out to take it, whips a decent cross in which Gabriel does well to keep alive but Ndidi is alert to make the clearance.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
13:14 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne43 min: Coulibaly replaces Justin who valiantly tried to carry on after picking up a knock around 20 minutes ago.
It’s a straight swap, Sterling has a new opponent to deal with.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
13:12 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne41 min: Justin has gone down again, think his afternoon is over.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
13:10 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne39 min: Arsenal camped in around Leicester’s box, Odegaard lifts the ball over the top for Trossard but the Belgian has a wild swing and completely misses the ball.
Standard Sport's Simon Collings at the King Power Stadium
13:07 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAll very turgid, so far. Arsenal's struggles in attack summed up by the fact they've been offside four times already.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
13:06 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne34 min: Loose pass is taken in by Sterling, he shoots but his effort is deflected behind for a corner.
Taken by Nwaneri but Hermansen does really well to punch the ball away.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
13:03 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne32 min: Gabriel fizzes a pass into Sterling who receives the ball in a good position, however, the Arsenal forward stumbles over at the worst possible time and the chance goes away.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
13:01 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne30 min: Another Arsenal attack breaks down because Sterling is caught offside.
Must be so frustrating for Mikel Arteta.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
12:59 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne28 min: Trossard not happy with Okoli’s challenge. The Arsenal forward slams the pitch in frustration and gestures towards his ankle.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
12:56 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne26 min: Coulibaly is ready to come on for Leicester, but it looks like Justin wants to give it a go.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
12:55 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne24 min: Pause in play as James Justin needs to change his boots.
This gives Arteta the chance to speak to his Arsenal players near the touchline.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
12:54 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne23 min: Second time in quick succession that Partey has conceded a foul, this time he trips Vardy.
Would imagine the Arsenal midfielder is one more foul away from being shown a yellow card.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
12:53 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne22 min: Partey concedes a free-kick for a foul on Ayew.
Leicester send Faes and Okoli up but Gabriel heads the ball away. Strong defending.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
12:51 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne20 min: Really poor play from Sterling there. He’s looking across the line but still manages to be caught offside.
Standard Sport's Simon Collings at the King Power Stadium
12:47 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneDeclan Rice seems to have extra licence to get forward today, making late runs into the box and also from deep when Arsenal counter to support Trossard.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
12:47 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne16 min: CLOSE!
Nwaneri is causing issues with his deliveries from outside to in, this one finds Rice who gets his head onto the ball but can’t steer an effort on target.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
12:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne14 min: El Khannouss whips in a great cross which just evades Vardy as Timber is on his toes to prevent Ayew from taking advantage.
Protest from the Leicester fans aimed at the board.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
12:43 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne12 min: Nwaneri’s cross is well defended by Leicester, ball falls kindly for Partey who strikes at goal but his effort is blocked by a sea of Leicester players.
Standard Sport's Simon Collings at the King Power Stadium
12:41 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneA fairly solid start from Arsenal. It feels like there will be some joy out wide, with both Nwaneri and Sterling being left one on one with their opposite man.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
12:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne9 min: Ndidi goes close!
Ball pops out to Ndidi on the edge of the box following Rice’s clearance and the midfielder can’t resist a shot.
However, his effort is straight into Raya’s arms.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
12:39 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne8 min: Odegaard clips the ball over the Leicester backline for Trossard who pokes an effort at goal. Wouldn’t have counted if the ball had hit the back of the net as the Belgian was offside.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
12:37 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne6 min: Ball over the top looking for Declan Rice’s run is overhit.
Lovely balance from Nwaneri in the middle of the park, feeds the ball to Sterling who waits from Lewis-Skelly’s run but the youngster can’t pick out a teammate in the box.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
12:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne4 min: Arsenal haven’t really got going yet from an attacking sense. Leandro Trossard is through the middle as expected with Ethan Nwaneri and Raheem Sterling out wide.
Leicester 0-0 Arsenal
12:32 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne1 min: Leicester straight on the attack, Jordan Ayew escapes a handball shout as well as calls that the ball went out of play but his dinked cross to the back post doesn’t cause any issues for Arsenal.
KICK-OFF!
12:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAway we go in this Premier League clash!
Here we go!
12:26 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneJamie Vardy and Martin Odegaard lead out the respective sides.
Time for the player handshakes and then kick-off.
As is stands
12:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal know a victory will move them to within four points of Premier League leaders Liverpool.
However, by the time the Gunners are next in action they could be 10 points behind the Merseyside giants because Arne Slot’s side have a midweek game against Aston Villa after facing Wolves tomorrow.
Meanwhile Leicester can climb out of the bottom three with a surprise win this afternoon.
Not long now!
12:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAround 15 minutes to go until kick-off at the King Power Stadium!
Standard Sport's Simon Collings at the King Power Stadium
12:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal's warm-up suggesting they will setup as expected. Trossard is playing through the middle, with Sterling on the left and Nwaneri out right.
Standard Sport's Simon Collings at the King Power Stadium
12:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneTemperature at the King Power right now is three degrees. Just had a quick Google and it's 26 degrees in Dubai. Bit of a shock for the Arsenal players, perhaps.
Standard Sport's Simon Collings at the King Power Stadium
12:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneStandard Sport's Simon Collings has delivered his thoughts on the Arsenal team news...
🗣 "Mikel Arteta has kept it pretty simple."@sr_collings gives his thoughts on the #AFC team news!
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) February 15, 2025
LIVE: https://t.co/efGTLc2wqs#LEIARS pic.twitter.com/HhDZMEI2EW
Leicester form
11:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneJust two Premier League wins for Leicester since they appointed Ruud van Nistelrooy, though they were against two London sides; West Ham and Tottenham.
However, the Foxes have lost eight of their last 11 Premier League games, including the last four at home.
Ruud van Nistelrooy and Martin Keown reunited
11:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneRuud van Nistelrooy and Martin Keown are reunited on the TNT Sports panel ahead of kick-off.
Keown apologises for what happened during their Arsenal vs Manchester United days but the Dutchman insists “what happens on the pitch, stays on the pitch.”
All is well between the pair.
Nwaneri praise
11:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHuge praise for Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri ahead of kick-off...
“Nwaneri is probably the brightest young player in the country.”
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 15, 2025
Joe Cole and Martin Keown take a closer look at Arsenal's attacking options amidst their latest injury crisis ⭐
🎙 @Becky_Ives_ | 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/hfDQH8x2Dp
Arteta on using Calafiori as a striker
11:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMikel Arteta stopped by for a quick chat with TNT Sports ahead of kick-off and he was asked by Arsenal legend Martin Keown if he’s tempted to use Riccardo Calafiori as a centre-forward.
His response...
“It is an option that we have, yes.”
Leicester changes
11:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneRuud van Nistelrooy has also made two changes to Leicester's XI for today's Premier League clash with Arsenal.
Jamie Vardy and Victor Kristiansen return after not being involved in last Friday's FA Cup loss to Manchester United.
Jannik Vestergaard is on the bench as Caleb Okoli continues in central defence.
Arsenal changes
11:31 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneIt’s two changes for Arsenal from their last fixture against Newcastle.
Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli are sidelined through injury with Ethan Nwaneri and Raheem Sterling stepping up from the bench.
Ben White is back in the matchday squad after missing the last 21 games.
Standard Sport's Simon Collings at the King Power Stadium
11:27 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal's bench sums up injury issues. Five defenders on it, with Jorginho and Merino the midfield options. Butler-Oyedeji the only forward on it.
Leicester team in full
11:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLeicester XI: Hermansen; Justin, Faes, Okoli, Kristiansen; Ndidi, Soumare; De Cordova-Reid, El Khannouss, Ayew; Vardy
Subs: Stolarczyk, Coady, Vestergaard, Coulibaly, Winks, Skipp, Mavididi, Buonanotte, Daka
Arsenal team in full
11:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Nwaneri, Sterling, Trossard.
Subs: Neto, Calafiori, Zinchenko, Tierney, Kiwior, White, Jorginho, Merino, Butler-Oyedeji
Confirmed Leicester team
11:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAnd lining up for the hosts...
Your starters on Filbert Way 🦊#LEIARS pic.twitter.com/Fe6I8ab7Fx
— Leicester City (@LCFC) February 15, 2025
Arsenal lineup announced
11:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere’s how the Gunners will lineup this afternoon...
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 15, 2025
🔙 Nwaneri returns to the XI
⚡️ Sterling on the wing
🪄 Trossard up top
Let's do this, Gunners 👊
Team news imminent
11:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWe are expecting the team news to be announced shortly.
All eyes will be on how Mikel Arteta shuffles the pack in the absence of Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli.
Ben White could be in line for a recall too.
Stay tuned...
Arsenal team news hints
11:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneCharles Sagoe Jr and Khayon Edwards have been touted as potential solutions to Arsenal's injury crisis in attack.
However, both youngsters were in action last night for the U21's which suggests they won't feature at the King Power Stadium.
Last time against Leicester
11:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneIt finished Arsenal 4-2 Leicester in the reverse fixture earlier in the season with the Gunners letting a 2-0 lead slip only to secure all three points with two goals in injury time.
⏪ Last time out against Leicester City...
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 15, 2025
The Gunners secured all three points in dramatic fashion 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/A370kWIRpk
Setting the scene
10:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe atmosphere is already building outside the King Power Stadium, it won't be long before supporters begin taking their seats.
Leicester boost
10:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneDespite his age, Jamie Vardy has been a key player for Leicester this season and his return from injury is a massive boost.
The striker does love playing against Arsenal, netting 11 goals in 17 appearances.
🔵 🔵 pic.twitter.com/uEKsTYoZbs
— Leicester City (@LCFC) February 14, 2025
Predicted Arsenal XI
10:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWith Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli all sidelined it means Leandro Trossard is the favourite to start as a striker against Leicester.
The Belgian has previously operated as a false 9 for Arsenal and is set to be flanked by Ethan Nwaneri and Raheem Sterling at the King Power Stadium.
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Trossard, Sterling
Dowman Premier League debut 'difficult'
10:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMikel Arteta admits the Premier League rules make it “difficult” for Max Dowman to make his debut this season and ease Arsenal’s injury crisis.
Arsenal are desperately short on attacking options after Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz suffered hamstring injuries over the past fortnight.
Dowman, who is only 15, has been mentioned as someone who could be added to the squad but Arteta has confirmed that is unlikely.
Lewis-Skelly stat
10:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere's something to look out for when the team news is announced, if Myles Lewis-Skelly starts this afternoon it will be his eighth in the Premier League.
That would be the most by an Arsenal defender before turning 19, surpassing Gael Clichy.
Leicester vs Arsenal: Head to head (h2h) history and results
10:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLeicester wins: 22
Draws: 33
Arsenal wins: 57
Gunners have won the last six meetings in a row, including a 4-2 success in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.
Arsenal dressing room
10:26 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBehind the scenes at the King Power Stadium as the Arsenal shirts hang inside the dressing room.
Is Ben White’s shirt amongst the pile? We will find out soon.
Leicester vs Arsenal match odds
10:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLeicester to win: 17/2
Draw: 7/2
Arsenal to win: 1/4
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
Arsenal team news
10:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBen White could return to the Arsenal squad this afternoon.
The right-back has been out of action since November after undergoing surgery to solve a knee issue but has stepped up his training over the past week during Arsenal’s warm-weather training camp in Dubai.
However, Kai Havertz will miss the rest of the season with a hamstring injury and Gabriel Martinelli is out for at least a month, also due to a hamstring injury.
The pair join Bukayo Saka (hamstring) and Gabriel Jesus (knee) on the sidelines.
Leicester team news
10:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneJamie Vardy, Jannik Vestergaard and Victor Kristiansen all missed Leicester’s defeat to Manchester United last week in the FA Cup fourth round.
However, Ruud van Nistelrooy has confirmed that the trio are in contention to return against Arsenal.
“They had a good week of training,” the Leicester boss said during the pre-match press conference on Thursday. “They’re back in full training. All being well today and tomorrow they’re ready for selection.”
How to watch Leicester vs Arsenal
10:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThis afternoon's Premier League clash is being shown live in the UK on TNT Sports 1, with coverage beginning at 11am GMT.
TNT Sports subscribers can also check out the action online via the Discovery+ app and website.
Leicester vs Arsenal live
10:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneIt’s an early start at the King Power Stadium today as Leicester host Arsenal.
A huge Premier League fixture that will impact both ends of the table. Quick reminder that kick-off is at 12.30pm GMT.
Stay tuned to Standard Sport for all the latest team news and live updates...
William Saliba offer
09:22 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMikel Arteta has joked that William Saliba has offered to play upfront to solve Arsenal’s striker crisis.
Arsenal will play the rest of the season without a recognised striker after Kai Havertz tore his hamstring earlier this week.
The German will undergo surgery this week and joins Gabriel Jesus on the sidelines, with the Brazilian also out for the rest of the season after injuring his knee last month.
Leandro Trossard, who is one of only three fit forwards available for Arsenal, is expected to lead the line - but Arteta has revealed Saliba jokingly offered to step up.
“Willy is so funny,” he said. “Straight away it was one of his reactions [to offer to play upfront].
Read Arteta’s full quotes here!
Standard Sport prediction
08:14 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneIt’s a must-win game for Arsenal this afternoon. In truth, it feels like the Gunners need to be perfect from now until the end of the season if they’re to be crowned Premier League champions.
Even with a depleted attack, Mikel Arteta’s side should have too much for a Leicester team that has lost their last four at home in the league without scoring.
Arsenal to win 2-0
Arteta reveals key factor behind Arsenal injury crisis
Friday 14 February 2025 23:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal boss Mikel Arteta says Kai Havertz’s hamstring injury was an “accident waiting to happen” given the workload players are under.
Havertz tore his hamstring earlier this week during Arsenal’s warm-weather training camp in Dubai. The German is due to undergo surgery in the coming days and will miss the rest of this season.
Havertz is the third Arsenal forward to suffer a hamstring injury in the last three months, with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli also struck down. Saka underwent surgery in December and is not due back until next month at the earliest.
Martinelli has avoided surgery after being hurt in last week’s defeat at Newcastle, but is set to miss at least a month’s worth of action.
“We have players who have been injured and who have played 130 games in the last two seasons, so in the end it’s an accident waiting to happen if you continue to load and load,” said Arteta.
Read Arteta's full quotes right here!
Arteta drops hint over Arsenal free agent striker hint
Friday 14 February 2025 20:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMikel Arteta says Arsenal are open to bringing in a free agent to solve their injury crisis in attack.
The Gunners are desperately short on attacking options after Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz suffered hamstring injuries.
Martinelli is due to be out of action for at least a month, while Havertz will miss the rest of the season.
Arsenal now have just three fit forwards as both Bukayo Saka (hamstring) and Gabriel Jesus (knee) are out, too.
The club are able to bring in a free agent and Arteta has refused to rule out Arsenal taking up that option.
“We’ll explore every possible situation and make a decision from there,” said Arteta.
Read Arteta's full quotes right here!
Early Leicester team news
Friday 14 February 2025 18:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneRuud van Nistelrooy has confirmed that three of his injured Leicester players are in contention to return against Arsenal.
Leicester welcome Premier League title challengers Arsenal to the King Power Stadium looking to bounce back from a rather controversial FA Cup fourth round exit to Manchester United.
Starting the day in the relegation zone, an upset win over the Gunners would move the Foxes out of the bottom three - albeit potentially for 24 hours -
And their hopes of doing so have been boosted by Jamie Vardy, Jannik Vestergaard and Victor Kristiansen being in contention for selection.
The trio all missed the narrow defeat at Old Trafford, but are on course to return to the matchday squad.
Early Arsenal team news
Friday 14 February 2025 15:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal have been boosted by the return of Ben White for their trip to Leicester on Saturday.
The right-back has been out of action since November after undergoing surgery to solve a knee issue.
White has stepped up his training over the past week during Arsenal’s warm-weather training camp in Dubai.
He could now return to the squad this weekend, when Arsenal travel to Leicester.
However, Kai Havertz will miss the rest of the season with a hamstring injury and Gabriel Martinelli is out for at least a month, also due to a hamstring injury.
The pair join Bukayo Saka (hamstring) and Gabriel Jesus (knee) on the sidelines.
How to watch Leicester vs Arsenal
Friday 14 February 2025 12:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneTV channel: The game will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate. Coverage starts at 11am GMT ahead of a 12.30pm kick-off.
Live stream: Subscribers will be able to watch on the Discovery+ app.
LIVE coverage: Follow all the action with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog! Simon Collings will be providing expert analysis from the ground.
Welcome
Friday 14 February 2025 10:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Arsenal’s Premier League clash away to Leicester City.
Kick-off at the King Power Stadium is at 12.30pm GMT on Saturday, February 15, 2025.
Stick with us for all the build-up, action and reaction.
