Arsenal welcomed the Premier League's basement side Leicester City to the Emirates on Tuesday looking to bounce back from defeat at Tottenham Hotspur last time out.
The home side led 2-0 at the interval courtesy of goals from Laurent Koscielny and Theo Walcott.
Leicester were back in it just past the hour when Andrej Kramaric fired home from inside the box, but the Foxes could not find an equaliser despite some excellent chances.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
6.46pmEvening all! Sports Mole's live Premier League coverage continues from the Emirates as Arsenal welcome Leicester City. Both sides are in desperate need of the points, but for very different reasons. Right, before anything else, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from North London...
6.49pmTEAMS
ARSENAL: Ospina; Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal; Coquelin, Rosicky; Walcott, Cazorla, Ozil; Alexis
LEICESTER: Schwarzer; Simpson, Huth, Morgan, Upson, Konchesky; Mahrez, Cambiasso, James, Schlupp; Kramaric
6.52pmSo there we have it. Alexis Sanchez returns to the Arsenal XI this evening following a period on the sidelines, while Theo Walcott is also recalled. Olivier Giroud, Aaron Ramsey and Danny Welbeck all drop to the bench for the Gunners, with the experienced Tomas Rosicky also coming into the side.
6.55pmLeicester, meanwhile, will seemingly line up in a 5-4-1 formation this evening. Wes Morgan will be joined at centre-back by on-loan Stoke City defender Robert Huth and the experienced Matthew Upson. Esteban Cambiasso also starts in midfield, while Andrej Kramaric will lead the line tonight.
6.58pmLeicester's form against Arsenal is absolutely horrid. The Foxes have lost on each of their last seven Premier League trips to Arsenal, while they have won none of their last 18 games in all competitions against the Gunners. That said, the two sides have not met at Arsenal in the league since the final weekend of the 2003-04 season, with the home side running out 2-1 winners that afternoon.
7.01pmAs a result, their league meeting at the King Power earlier this season was the first time that these two sides had met in over 10 years. Leicester certainly deserved something from the reverse match and that was indeed the case as the two teams played out a 1-1 draw at the King Power. This is a tough ask for Leicester, but Nigel Pearson's side really need to start picking up wins at this stage of the season.
7.04pmArsenal, meanwhile, will be keen to bounce back from Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur. Mesut Ozil gave the Gunners an early lead at White Hart Lane, but a double from Harry Kane ensured that Arsene Wenger's side left without anything to show for their troubles. The defeat allowed Spurs to move into fifth, with Arsenal currently occupying sixth after 24 games of the season.
7.07pmSixth does not sound great on the face of it, but Arsenal are just two points off the top four and indeed just three behind third-place Southampton. The Gunners have also been in strong form – winning five of their last seven in the league and only suffering three defeats since November. The minimum requirement for Arsenal this season is another top-four finish there is no question about that.
7.10pmArsenal will also be glad to be back at home this evening. They thumped Aston Villa 5-0 in their last league match at the Emirates, while they have won seven and lost just once on their own patch in the league this season. Indeed, only Manchester United have taken maximum points from the Emirates and that was a fairly fortuitous win in November. On the road, however, the Gunners have lost five times.
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7.13pmWhile Arsenal's fellow top-four challengers have some difficult fixtures ahead, Wenger will expect a healthy points total from their upcoming games. Following this match, they travel to Crystal Palace, before facing Everton, Queens Park Rangers, West Ham United and Newcastle United. No game in the Premier League is straightforward, but it is a kinder run than a number of the teams around them.
7.16pmArsenal are also still in the FA Cup, where they will welcome Middlesbrough at the weekend and the Champions League, with Monaco to come in the first leg on February 25. Wenger will fancy that he has the squad to deal with the run of games, but it is vital that the capital side keep their eyes on the race for a top-four spot, which is shaping up to be quite some battle at this stage of the season.
7.19pmLeicester, meanwhile, will enter the match rock bottom of the Premier League on 17 points. They have won just four of their 24 league games this season, drawing five and losing 15. Despite their place in the table, they are just four points from safety, however, which is not the end of the world at this stage of the season. That said, they really need to start putting three points on the board.
7.22pmThe Foxes will enter the match off the back of a 1-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace at the weekend in a match that saw that bizarre incident involving Nigel Pearson. The Leicester boss put his arms around the throat of Palace midfielder James McArthur during a clash on the touchline and said after the match that he can 'look after himself' when questioned on what occurred. It was a bizarre turn of events.
7.25pmIt was speculated following the Palace defeat that Pearson had been sacked, but Leicester denied those rumours and as a result, he still holds the post, but for how long? The 51-year-old also blamed BBC programme MOTD for making too much of the incident: "It's not helpful when the three fountains of knowledge on Match of the Day make a mountain out of a molehill."
7.28pmOn the pitch, meanwhile, Leicester really need to turn it around. They have lost each of their last three in the league and only won one of their last five. Their home form this season has been poor with just two wins from their 12 matches, but they have also struggled on the road – losing nine from 12 and scoring just eight times in the process. It does not look great ahead of this match to be truthful.
7.31pmLeicester also have a really terrible run of fixtures ahead. Following this match, they travel to Everton, before making the trip to Manchester City at the start of next month. At the moment, four points is not too damning, but that could quickly become more significant in the next month. That said, a win here and it could be a catalyst for the remainder of the season. Kick-off is fast approaching here...
7.34pmRight, let's take a look at how both sides have performed at each end of the field. Arsenal have conceded 27 goals in their 24 matches, while they have kept eight clean sheets. Leicester, meanwhile, have kept five clean sheets, but conceded 38, which is the third highest number in the league. Down the other end, Arsenal are the third highest scorers with 45 goals, but Leicester have managed just 21. Only Aston Villa (12) have scored fewer league goals than Leicester this season. Not a great record.
7.37pmPREDICTION! Take a look at what we had to say on the SM Sofa here...
7.41pmHere we go then. Both sides are preparing to join us on the field at the Emirates. Arsenal enter as the huge favourites, but Leicester have put in some decent away performances in recent weeks.
7.43pmJust a reminder that there are three more Premier League matches taking place this evening and we have it all covered on Sports Mole. Stay with us and you will not miss a kick!
0 minIt must be said that the pitch is in wonderful condition this evening, which will suit Arsenal more than Leicester with the greatest of respect. Right, the away side get the first 45 minutes underway.
2 minAs expected, Arsenal have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes. Leicester are indeed lining up with a five-man defence, with a view to frustrating the hosts at the Emirates.
3 minCHANCE! Leicester come close to taking the lead as Mahrez finds space in a wide area before drilling one towards the back post, but Koscielny just manages to turn away for a corner. The pressure continues from the resulting set piece, with the Foxes starting extremely positively here.
5 minMahrez has been the main outlet for Leicester in the opening five minutes, with the wide midfielder twisting and turning in the final third. Not too much from Arsenal in terms of chances thus far.
7 minBellerin has been bright for the home side in the last couple of minutes, but Arsenal's latest attack comes to an end when the right-back carries the ball out of play. Just a few signs that the Gunners are starting to warm to their task, with Ozil and Monreal combining to good effect down the left.
9 minArsenal force a free kick in an advanced area as Huth dives into Rosicky, but the resulting set piece is played short and eventually cleared. Sanchez has a half-chance moments later, but Morgan manages to scramble clear inside the box. The home side are starting to play with nine minutes on the clock.
10 minKramaric does well to hold the ball outside the Arsenal box, but Leicester's record signing fires wide after initially attempting to find Cambiasso. So far, so good for the visitors in the early minutes.
12 minPearson looks in good spirits in the stands - no pressure! His side have been comfortable in the opening 12 minutes, with their five-man defence keeping Arsenal at bay. For now anyway!
14 minCHANCE! Another super chances for Leicester as Mahraz collects an excellent pass from Cambiasso before driving into the box, but his low effort is wide of the post. What an opportunity!
15 minCambiasso has been controlling events from a deep position thus far, with Arsenal unable to make their mark in the middle of the pitch. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - will be just vital. Leicester could do with something to hold onto there is no doubt about that!
16 minCHANCE! Golden chance for Arsenal this time as Walcott collects a through pass from Cazorla before attempting to chip Schwarzer, but the Australian is out to make a super save. Sanchez has a half-chance from the resulting corner, but his effort is wide of the post.
19 minArsenal just cannot keep the ball in the middle of the park at the moment, with the visitors playing most of the football, which is not going down well with the home supporters. Without Giroud, Arsenal do not have that ball into the forward, which is proving a problem in the early stages here.
20 minHalf-chance for the home side as Sanchez stands over a free kick outside the box, but his effort is straight into the wall. So far, so good for Leicester, who have survived the opening 20 minutes here.
22 minNot too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes, with both sides guilty of losing possession in the final third. Walcott has been a little untidy in the final third, with the Arsenal attacker losing the ball twice in quick succession. Still goalless with 22 minutes on the clock.
24 minCazorla threatens for Arsenal after collecting a through pass from Rosicky, but the Spaniard had moved into an offside position. Leicester enjoy possession down the other end, but Cambiasso cannot find Schlupp with a through pass. The home supporters are getting restless already here!
26 minCHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Ozil finds some space in the final third before attempting to drill one into the bottom corner, but Schwarzer is on hand to make a super save.
27 minGOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Leicester (Koscielny)
28 minArsenal take the lead from the resulting corner as Koscielny fires home at the near post. Excellent finish from the centre-back, but it is harsh on Leicester, who had a really decent start to this match.
29 minSanchez does not look comfortable for Arsenal here after taking a heavy challenge from Upson and it does appear at the Chilean will be unable to continue, which would be a big blow for the hosts.
31 minLeicester need to be really careful in the next couple of minutes as Arsenal continue to force the issue in the final third. Another goal for the hosts and you just cannot see Leicester finding a response.
33 minArsenal want a penalty as Ozil fires one at Morgan from close range, but the referee is not interested. The home side threaten down the right moments later, but Bellerin delivers into the arms of the goalkeeper. Sanchez has returned to the field, meanwhile, which is excellent news for the hosts.
35 minPossession football from the home side as we approach the final 10 minutes of this half. Leicester have been pretty good so far and will therefore not be too worried that they are one-goal behind. Sanchez, meanwhile, appears to be struggling despite returning to the field, which is a concern here.
37 minThere has not been a single booking in the first period, but we must be getting close as the late challenges continue to pile up. Decent spell of possession for Leicester in the last few minutes.
38 minCHANCES! Two chances in quick succession for the visitors, but Schlupp fails to turn home a low Konchesky cross, before Mahrez heads over the crossbar from close range.
39 minCHANCE! Mahrez again comes close for the away side, but he bends his effort just wide of the post after finding space inside the box. Mahrez has been a real threat to Arsenal thus far.
41 minPossession football from the home side as they pass and probe outside the box, but Konchesky manages to clear a chipped pass from Ozil. Can Arsenal score another goal before the break?
41 minGOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Leicester (Walcott)
42 minArsenal score their second in the latter stages of the half was Walcott converts from close range after Schwarzer had initially denied Ozil from outside the box. Not great goalkeeping there.
44 minWell, Leicester are now in a spot of bother there is no question about that.
45 min+1Possession football from the home side as they continue to pass and probe in the final third. Leicester really need the break in order to regroup. Pearson has a lot of work to do at the interval here.
45 min+2We are into the second of three additional minutes here. Ozil has a chance to score a third from a free kick, but his effort is just wide of the post. The hosts are threatening to run riot.
45 min+3Leicester threaten from a corner in the final moments of the half after Ospina loses the flight, but the danger is scrambled clear and that should be just about that for the first period.
45 min+3HALF-TIME: Arsenal 2-0 Leicester
8.34pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Arsenal leading 2-0 courtesy of goals from Koscielny and Walcott. Leicester have had their moments, with Mahrez a serious threat, but the Foxes have been unable to open their tally. It is a big ask in the second 45 minutes here.
8.39pmSTATS! Arsenal have only shaded the possession with 52%, but they have had 11 attempts to Leicester's four. Arsenal have also hit the target on six occasions, but the visitors are yet to test Ospina. Surprisingly, there has not been a single booking, meanwhile, despite some late challenges.
8.44pmBENCH WATCH! Arsenal have plenty of options on their bench this evening, with the likes of Giroud, Ramsey and Welbeck waiting to enter the fold. Sanchez has been struggling with a knock and it would not be a surprise to see the Chilean replaced at the break. Leicester boss Pearson, meanwhile, might look to alter his 5-4-1 formation and he has both Nugent and Ulloa in reserve here.
46 minHere we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Can Leicester turn this one around? It is a massive ask. Arsenal get the second 45 minutes underway in London.
47 minNo changes for either side at the interval, with Sanchez taking to the field despite seemingly suffering an injury in the first period. As expected, the early possession is Arsenal's in the second half.
48 minArsenal want a penalty as the ball appears to strike Simpson's hand inside the box, but the referee is not interested. It would have been very harsh indeed. Rosicky has a half-chance for the hosts moments later, but his effort from distance is wide of the post. Strong start to the second 45 minutes.
50 minA third goal for Arsenal probably kills this game as a contest and they appear in a hurry to achieve that in this second period. Leicester have to find a way back into the match, but Kramaric has been very isolated thus far. Nugent and Ulloa are both changes that Pearson will surely be considering.
53 minArsenal threaten once again as Cazorla delivers a free kick towards the far post, but Schwarzer manages to collect under pressure. Leicester enjoy a period of possession moments later, but there is no real threat from the visitors. As it stands, they will remain rooted to the bottom of the table.
53 minKramaric finds space inside the Arsenal box, but his effort is straight into the body of Ospina.
55 minCHANCE! Finally a chance for Leicester as Simpson does excellently to beat Monreal and deliver a cross towards Mahrez, but his effort is blocked for a corner. The resulting set piece is delivered towards the far post, but the danger is cleared. Better from the Foxes in the last few moments.
57 minReally good spell for Leicester in the last couple of minutes, but they really need to take one of their opportunities. Another goal for Arsenal kills this match as a contest there is no question about that.
59 minSUB! Leicester make their first change of the match as Wasilewski enters the field in place of Upson, who appears to be injured. Fairly negative change for the visitors it must be said.
61 minNot too much for the home supporters to get excited about in the second period, but the hosts are in control of the possession and indeed the match. The onus is on Leicester to push forward here.
61 minCHANCE! Stunning chance for the away side as Kramaric finds some space inside the Arsenal box, but his effort is straight at Ospina. A cross is then delivered towards the far post, but Mertesacker heads over for a corner, which is also cleared. Really good spell for the visitors.
62 minGOAL! Arsenal 2-1 Leicester (Kramaric)
63 minGame on! Leicester are back in this match as Kramaric fires one into the bottom corner following some poor defending from the home side. Excellent finish from the club's record signing.
64 minIt is no more than Leicester deserve, but it might just wake up Arsenal.
66 minMahrez is having a super, super evening for Leicester, with the midfielder causing all sorts of problems in the final third. The home supporters are getting a little restless and you can sense the tension.
66 minBOOKING! Wasilewski (Leicester) is booked for delaying the taking of a quick goal-kick.
67 minOspina looks to have a problem for the home side, with the Colombian receiving treatment on the field. It does appear that he will be fit to continue, while Giroud is preparing to enter proceedings here.
67 minCazorla tries his luck for the home side, but his effort is pushed away by Schwarzer.
67 minBOOKING! Rosicky (Arsenal) is booked for a poor challenge on James.
68 minSUB! Arsenal make their first change as Giroud replaces Sanchez.
70 minArsenal have certainly woken up since Leicester scored, with Giroud firing one wide of the post after finding space outside the box. You just get the feeling that there is at least one more goal in this.
72 minCLOSE! Oh my word! Leicester come close to levelling as Mahrez drives to the edge of the Arsenal box before bending one towards the far corner, but it just misses the post. What a chance!
73 minSUB! Arsenal make their second change as Walcott is replaced by Ramsey.
75 minArsenal were comfortable in the early stages of the second period, but they are not comfortable now. Leicester continue to force the issue in the final third, with Kramaric causing a host of problems. James delivers a cross moments later, but Ospina is on hand to collect. Little over 15 minutes to play.
77 minSchlupp wins a free kick for the away side in an advanced position, with Arsenal looking untidy at the back and not for the first time this evening. Ospina comes to punch the delivery from deep and the Colombian makes decent contact. Still 2-1 Arsenal with 77 minutes on the clock here.
79 minDecent pressure from Arsenal in the last couple of minutes, with Ramsey having a shot blocked from a corner and Koscielny going close with a header. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining.
79 minCHANCE! Another incredible chance for Leicester, but Kramaric chips his effort into the arms of the Arsenal goalkeeper. What a miss for the visitors, who really really should be level.
81 minSUB! Leicester make their second change as Ulloa replaces Morgan.
82 minRamsey goes down in the middle of the park and signals that he needs to be replaced.
82 minSUB! Arsenal make their final change as Flamini replaces Ramsey.
84 minArsenal are fortunate to still be winning this match there is no question about that. Leicester have had a series of excellent chances in the second period, but only taken one. Little over five to play here.
86 minSUB! Third and final change for the visitors as Nugent replaces Schlupp.
87 minTime is running out here, but Leicester will still fancy their chances of creating at least one chance. Arsenal are not comfortable at the moment despite their lead and possession of the ball.
89 minLeicester gain a free kick inside their own half and pump it long into the Arsenal box, but the danger is cleared as the home side survive. You can really feel the tension inside the stadium at the moment.
89 minBOOKING! Simpson (Leicester) is booked for a rash challenge on Ozil.
90 min+1We are into the first of five additional minutes at the Emirates.
90 min+2All the pressure is coming from the away side as Simpson delivers a cross into Ulloa, but the striker loses control before fouling Bellerin. More valuable seconds will drift away in North London.
90 min+4Ospina makes another poor mistake as he fails to collect a deflected cross, but the referee blows for a free kick. Fortunate for Arsenal there - Ospina has not looked too clever tonight.
90 min+5BOOKING! Giroud (Arsenal) is booked for delaying the taking of a quick goal-kick.
90 min+6Leicester have possession in the Arsenal half, but the danger is cleared once again.
90 min+6FULL-TIME: Arsenal 2-1 Leicester
9.40pmSo there we have it. Arsenal hold on to beat Leicester 2-1. The visitors had a number of chances in the second period, but could not take advantage. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action!
