Arsenal 4-2 Leicester City: Jesus features on Gunners home debut

Gabriel Jesus scored twice and set up two more goals as Arsenal picked up two wins to start the Premier League season beating Leicester City 4-2.

Jesus impressed off the scoresheet on his competitive debut for the Gunners against Crystal Palace, but the former Manchester City striker delivered the goods on Saturday to make up for a dodgy Arsenal defence.

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The Brazil international's brace put Arsenal ahead in the first half, and he capped off a brilliant performance with two assists in the second half after Arsenal gave Leicester some hope twice.

Granit Xhaka scored Arsenal's third goal after William Saliba's own goal, and after James Maddison kicked Aaron Ramsdale's legs to make it 3-2, Jesus put Gabriel Martinelli on to complete the score.

The post came to Leicester's rescue in the 20th minute when Xhaka headed for the post, but their luck ran out when Jesus' deflected effort curled over Danny Ward.

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It was 2-0 down in the 35th minute, with Jesus doubling his score with an unmarked nod from a corner.

With Jesus having twice come close to a third, Leicester thought they had a lifeline when Jamie Vardy fell under pressure from Ramsdale, but referee Darren England overruled his decision to award a kick after a VAR check showed there was little contact.

Saliba's blunder - an inadvertent header past Ramsdale - got Leicester back in the game, but they conceded again just 106 seconds later.

Ward knocked down what should have been a simple catch, and Xhaka was on hand to drive home after Jesus was laid off.

Maddison's clean shot and Ramsdale's poor keeper put Leicester back in the running with 16 minutes to go, but Arsenal again fought back quickly: Martinelli broke through from the edge of the box.

Jesus hit the post with the gaping goal as a hat-trick chance loomed, but his key contribution on his home Premier League debut for the Gunners sealed the three points.

What does this mean? Gunners firing on all cylinders

Mikel Arteta won't be happy with the way his side conceded, but he can have few complaints about the cunning and attacking verve displayed by Arsenal, led by the superb Jesus.

Arsenal had 19 shots against Leicester's six, seven of which were on target. Thomas Partey also hit the post late as the Gunners looked for a fifth who would have in no way flattered them.

Jesus looks at home

It was a supreme display from new signing Jesus, who was not only the goal poacher, but also acted as Arsenal's talisman, slotting together brilliantly in a flowing attacking four.

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He has now scored seven goals in eight Premier League games against Leicester - only against Everton (eight) has he scored more in the competition.

Leaky Leicester's Travel Problems

Leicester have kept a clean sheet in their 27 Premier League away games, the last in a 2-0 win at Burnley last March.

Brendan Rodgers' side haven't kept a clean sheet on the road against a current top-flight side since February 2021, a goalless draw at Wolves, and they couldn't handle the attack of Arsenal.

What's next?

Arsenal head to the south coast to face Bournemouth on Saturday, while Leicester host Southampton.