“Would’ve won us the league last season”, “Genuinely crazy” - Fans hail Arsenal star as ‘maverick’ for performance in 4-2 win over Leicester
Arsenal fans on X have waxed lyrical about Riccardo Calafiori after he excelled in their 4-2 win against Leicester City in their clash at the Emirates Stadium (September 28). Some supporters believe that the Gunners would have beaten Manchester City to the Premier League title last season with Calafiori, and a fully-fit Jurrien Timber.
Calafiori made his sixth appearance of the season, starting in Arsenal's defense as their left-back alongside Timber, Gabriel Magalhaes, and William Saliba. The £42 million summer signing from Bologna was instrumental in their narrow win against the Foxes, winning 12 duels.
The Italy international also carried a lot of attacking threat down the left flank, creating two chances, and landing all three of his shots on target. In addition, he completed three accurate long balls and 61 passes from an attempted 69 with an accuracy of 88 percent.
Arsenal fans on X were in awe by his performance as one posted:
"Timber and Calafiori would have won us the league last season"
Another fan tweeted:
"He's genuinely crazy and thats what we've needed"
Check out how other fans reacted below:
"Ricky Calafiori was sensational again today," one fan commented
"Calafiori is another total footballer added to this great squad. So much class, game iQ, understanding of space. Happy to provide width or drive through central areas. We’ve not even scratched the surface of what he’s capable of yet. Freak profile and only 22," another added
"Arteta thought of a Zinchenko that can defend and invented Calafiori!" one fan posted
"Calafiori, man. Just unreal, it's been a while since I've seen an Arsenal player actually embody the term maverick. Unwavering confidence," another chimed in
"Calafiori is a special special player," one fan tweeted
Arsenal hold firm to secure 4-2 win against Leicester City
Despite dropping a two-goal lead shortly after half-time, Arsenal showed great resilience to grind out a 4-2 home win against Leicester City in their league clash. They took full advantage of Manchester City drawing Newcastle United earlier today to move up to second in the table with 14 points from six games. City also have the same number of points but have a better goal difference.
Gabriel Martinelli broke the deadlock in the 20th minute, tapping home following Jurrien Timber's assist. The former then turned provider to assist Leandro Trossard (45+1') to make it 2-0 going into half-time.
However, the Gunners were left shellshocked when James Justin netted a quickfire brace (47', 63') to level the scores. Mikel Arteta and Co. rallied back and put the pressure on the Foxes, accumulating a total of 17 corners, and landing 36 shots with 16 being on target.
Arsenal's persistence paid off as Trossard's effort was deflected into the back of the net off Wilfried Ndidi (90+4'). Kai Havertz also got on the scoresheet five minutes later with a simple finish to seal a 4-2 win.