Much of the build-up for Arsenal’s game against Leicester City on Sunday is about the players who have led the Foxes into the title race.
Claudio Ranieri’s men top the Premier League after 25 games, inspired by the performances of Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez. The former is the top goalscorer in England’s top division, while Algerian winger Mahrez has 14 goals and 10 assists himself.
His form drew great praise from Arsène Wenger on Friday morning, but he isn’t the only manager who admires the talent of his rivals. Arsenal are one of only two sides to beat Leicester so far this season, and Ranieri is wary of a repeat performance.
CR: “@Arsenal have so many fantastic players. They have magicians that can score suddenly.” #ArsLei
— Leicester City (@LCFC) February 12, 2016
CR: “In the last match they scored five, we scored two and hit the post twice. It was an exciting match. It will be open on Sunday.” #ArsLei
— Leicester City (@LCFC) February 12, 2016
That 5-2 Arsenal win in September saw seven goals, with Alexis Sánchez grabbing a hat-trick, seems to have left a mark on the Italian. Alexis must be one of the magical players he’s referring to, and this would be the perfect time for a first Premier League goal since his return from injury.
Sunday’s game is a huge one, and both sides have match-winners. The question is: who will deliver?