Arsenal survived a huge scare to claim all three points against Leicester City after surrendering a two-goal lead. The Gunners were almost forced to settle for a draw after crumbling under pressure, only to find two late goals to spare their blushes.
It did not take long for Arsenal to open the scoring, with Gabriel Martinelli firing home from inside the area to put the hosts in front. He turned provider just before the break, finding Leandro Trossard with an inch-perfect cross which was steered into the bottom corner.
Leicester pulled one back seconds after the restart, with James Justin heading home from a free-kick to give the Foxes a lifeline. The defender went on to equalise with a brilliant volley before Trossard thought he had scored in the 94th minute, but it went down as an own goal by Wilfred Ndidi.
Kai Havertz got in on the act in the dying seconds, ending any doubt and giving Arsenal what could be a vital three points at the end of the season.
Express Sport takes a look at the biggest talking points from today’s game at the Emirates Stadium…
Arsenal survive almighty scare
Arsenal were in full control at the break, keeping Leicester pinned in their own half for the majority of the opening 45 minutes. They were undone in spectacular fashion after the interval, though, with the visitors pulling off a remarkable comeback to level proceedings.
The home fans were stunned into silence when Leicester pulled one back just seconds after the break. It was completely against the run of play, with the Foxes only having had one touch in the Arsenal box prior to their goal.
Leicester looked rejuvenated and began to pile on the pressure before Justin slammed home a sumptuous volley which cannoned off the post and into the back of the net.
Their hearts were eventually broken when Arsenal scored two late goals in stoppage time, allowing Mikel Arteta to breathe a huge sigh of relief.
Hermansen nearly the hero for Leicester
Mads Hermansen had the game of his life after Justin had equalised for Leicester and so nearly kept the scores level. He was repeatedly called into action in the second half, with his point-blank save from Gabriel Magalhaes the pick of the bunch.
He pulled off another incredible stop to deny Trossard, who looked certain to score from close range after capitalising on a defensive error. Moments earlier, he threw himself in front of the ball to stop Havertz from equalising with a well-hit volley.
Hermansen was unfortunate to be beaten twice in the dying minutes of the game, leaving Leicester empty-handed in spite of their best efforts.
Gunners show mettle in title fight
It was always going to be a potential banana skin for Arsenal after Manchester City were held to a draw by Newcastle. The home fans cheered loudly when the score was announced before kick-off and were minutes away from being left with egg on their face at the final whistle.
The pressure piled on when Leicester drew level, with Arsenal clearly rocked by nerves as the Foxes threatened to find a winner. It was a far cry from the opening 45 minutes, when the Gunners looked almost untouchable at both ends of the pitch.
Arsenal‘s mentality shone through at the business end of the match, with the hosts digging deep to score two quick goals and wrap up all three points. The result saw them take their golden opportunity to draw level with City at the summit of the Premier League table.
It looked like City were already pulling away a few weeks ago but, just like that, Arsenal are right back in the hunt.