Arsenal's top three players as Gabriel Martinelli hits back at criticism in Leicester win

Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League with a 1-0 victory at Leicester. Gabriel Martinelli scored the game's only goal just after half-time with a neat finish. Express Sport reflects on what it learned from King Power Stadium.

The top three players

Leandro Trossard has been recruited to the team in place of Eddie Nketiah. The Belgian will feel unlucky to have had a goal ruled out but impressed on his first appearance as an Arsenal striker.

He also set up Martinelli for the Arsenal goal with a sublime assist. Oleksandr Zinchenko was back to his best after scoring his first goal for the club last week.

The way he plays has a big impact on the overall level Arteta's team reaches. Gabriel was also solid at the back and helped limit Leicester to just a few shots on Aaron Ramsdale.

READ MORE: Barcelona's Lewandowski 'involved in dressing room row' after Man Utd loss

Martinelli responds to criticism

Martinelli has now scored in successive matches after going eight games without a goal. The Brazilian had been criticized by fans and pundits for his performances since the start of the year.

It's fair to say he wasn't at his best in the first half at King Power. But he remained calm when it mattered most to put Arsenal ahead immediately after half-time.

Arsenal need Martinelli to get back to the level he showed in the first half of the season. He has responded well after being dropped by Arteta for the first time this campaign last week.

More VAR fury

Arteta has had his fair share of VAR controversy lately. And again, there were some controversial decisions today.

Leandro Trossard saw a fine goal disallowed following an earlier foul by Ben White on Leicester goalkeeper Danny Ward. Referee Craig Pawson didn't see the incident initially, but VAR recommended he review it on the pitchside monitor.

White may have detained Ward, but to say it was a clear and obvious mistake and rule out the goal is something Arteta clearly disagreed with. Minutes later, Bukayo Saka was carried off by Harry Souttar in the Leicester penalty area, but there was no movement from Pawson or VAR despite the England star's protests.

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