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Player Ratings: Leicester City 1-1 Arsenal

Sports Mole picks out who impressed, and who didn't, in the 1-1 Premier League draw between Leicester City and Arsenal.

Both goals came in three first-half minutes as Leicester City and Arsenal played out a 1-1 draw in the final Premier League affair of the weekend.

After an end-to-end start, Alexis Sanchez bagged his first league goal for the Gunners after 19 minutes to edge them ahead, but the lead didn't last long as Leonardo Ulloa headed home the Foxes' equaliser soon after.

It was the Argentinian's second goal in three games since his summer move from Brighton & Hove Albion and proved to be enough for a point.

Here, Sports Mole picks out those that impressed, and those that didn't, at the King Power Stadium.


Leonardo Ulloa (R) of Leicester City celebrates scoring his team's opening goal with team mates during the Barclays Premier League match against Arsenal on August 2014, 2014© Getty Images

LEICESTER

Goal

Kasper Schmeichel: After conceding twice in both of Leicester's opening games, Schmeichel still doesn't have his first Premier League clean sheet but could do nothing to stop Arsenal's goal today. Came out well and saved Sanogo's shot, with the loose ball falling perfectly for Alexis. Was barely tested apart from that, denying Sanogo on a second occasion for his only other meaningful save. (6/10)

Defence

Ritchie de Laet: Played well, especially going forward. Considering that the club last night signed a new right-back in Danny Simpson, the Belgian will be particularly pleased that he put in a good display to show Nigel Pearson that he doesn't need to come out of the starting lineup. Was, however, a little lazy in following Alexis for the Arsenal goal. (7/10)

Wes Morgan: Faultless from the veteran centre-back, who made eight clearances and blocked five shots in a bullish display. Might be a little disappointed at his positioning for the goal, but a rock-solid performance on the whole. (7/10)

Liam Moore: Not quite as dominant as centre-back partner Morgan, but a strong display from Moore, who at just 21 isn't getting overawed in the top flight. (6/10)

Paul Konchesky: A quiet afternoon for the left-back, who didn't offer as much as De Laet on the other side going forward. (6/10)

Midfield

Riyad Mahrez: One of the best players for the 64 minutes that he was on the pitch. Not only was he a livewire going forward, but the Algerian also did the dirty work by making multiple tackles. (7/10)

Dean Hammond: No nonsense in the middle from Hammond, who is enjoying his run in the team with Danny Drinkwater and Matty James still not fully fit. Made several key interceptions. (6/10)

Andy King: Like Hammond, King is featuring much more than he might have expected after struggling for a regular place in the Championship last season. He and Hammond kept Arsenal's menacing midfielders fairly quiet. Will want to do more going forward next time, though. (6/10)

Jeffrey Schlupp: Up and down, up and down the wing. Often plays at left-back and you could see today that he was happy both defending and going forward. His burst and then pinpoint cross was perfect for Ulloa to head in the equaliser. Came off with 20 minutes to go after a tireless display. (7/10)

Attack

David Nugent: Outshone by Ulloa in attack, but a hard-working display nonetheless. Had one clear chance, firing straight against an Arsenal shirt. (6/10)

Leonardo Ulloa: The man of the match. There's plenty of pressure on the Argentinian's shoulders after a big-money move from Brighton & Hove Albion, but he seems ready to be the Foxes' main man in attack. Took the goal really well by heading back across goal. Should have maybe had another, but tried to be too cute after doing so well to create the opening. (8/10)

Substitutes

Marc Albrighton: Extremely quiet after replacing Mahrez midway through the second half. Booked six minutes from the end. (6/10)

Jamie Vardy: Bright after taking Schlupp's place. Had a chance at glory near the end, but was denied by Wojciech Szczesny's fingertips. (6/10)

Danny Drinkwater: Came on for Ulloa with 13 minutes on the clock. Went for glory in stoppage time, dragging a shot wide of the target. (6/10)


Arsenal's German midfielder Mesut Ozil (R) runs with the ball chased by Leicester City's Algerian midfielder Riyad Mahrez (L) during the English Premier League football match on August 31, 2014© Getty Images

ARSENAL

Goal

Wojciech Szczesny: Could do nothing about the goal. Was strong at set pieces all game long and made a good save to deny Vardy near the end. (6/10)

Defence

Mathieu Debuchy: A couple of bright moments, but all in all a muted display from the French full-back who was sent off against Besiktas in midweek. Good block to deny Nugent. (6/10)

Per Mertesacker: Fuss-free from the big German, who gave nothing away and put in a typically resolute performance. (6/10)

Laurent Koscielny: Suffered a nasty clash of heads with Schlupp in the early stages and went down the tunnel to put on some protective headwear. Perhaps feeling the effects when he returned and allowed Ulloa to pull off him and head home. Schlupp was certainly OK and maybe his cross was just too good. Still, Koscielny will be disappointed and was soon substituted. (5/10)

Nacho Monreal: Enjoying a run in the team with Kieran Gibbs sidelined and was OK today. Went on one excellent surge forward to present Yaya Sanogo with a chance, but didn't defend Mahrez brilliantly. (6/10)

Midfield

Mathieu Flamini: Did the dirty work as he always does. Should have been booked for a nasty swipe on Hammond and let Vardy get past him too easily for the late Leicester chance. (5/10)

Aaron Ramsey: Failed to find the net for the third straight league game, but was the most energetic in midfield. If a loose ball had broken to an Arsenal player around the box, it would have been Ramsey there to shoot. (7/10)

Santi Cazorla: A couple of delightful through-balls, one of which led to the Gunners' goal. Has endured a tough start to this season, but signs of his best today. Looked a little peeved when taken off in the 77th minute. (7/10)

Mesut Ozil: Another subdued performance from the World Cup winner, who did the least out of all the Arsenal midfielders. Was off the field near the end with a knock, but returned to finish the 90. (6/10)

Alexis Sanchez: After opening his Arsenal account in the Champions League, Alexis is off and running in the Premier League. A simple goal, but good poacher's instinct from the Chilean. Saw plenty of the ball, but lacking a little spark after putting so much energy in on Wednesday. (7/10)

Attack

Yaya Sanogo: Still goalless for the Gunners after yet another performance that will have fans wondering why Arsene Wenger keeps starting him. Lucky that his shot broke Alexis's way for the goal. Shot straight at Schmeichel with another chance. Taken off near the end. (5/10)

Substitutes

Calum Chambers: Replaced Koscielny and again looked composed at centre-back. Also happy to dribble forward with the ball. (6/10)

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: Only had a quarter of an hour to make his mark and struggled to do so. Suffered a calf injury, but it's not thought to be serious. (6/10)

Lukas Podolski: Took the place of Sanogo and failed to do much more than the Frenchman. Couldn't quite react quickly enough to get there first and shoot when a loose ball came his way at the death. (6/10)


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Arsenal's German midfielder Mesut Ozil (R) runs with the ball chased by Leicester City's Algerian midfielder Riyad Mahrez (L) during the English Premier League football match on August 31, 2014
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