Leicester City vs Arsenal August 2016 – Match Thread and How to Watch

Leicester, beaten 2-1 at promoted Hull City in their opening game, had a penalty appeal turned down late in each half at the King Power Stadium.

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri refused to criticise referee Mark Clattenburg after the Premier League champions were denied two penalties in Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Arsenal. “I think it was the right decision”.

Speaking to BT Sport after the match, Wenger was non-committal on each incident but highlighted Leicester’s record of winning regular spot-kicks on their way to the title last season.

“I don’t want to speak about the decisions”.

Walcott took the lead in the 31 minute of the game but then Liverpool scored four in the 46, 49, 56 and 63 minute to make it 1-4.

The major stain on Leicester’s day was the sight of Nampalys Mendy limping off following an assured full debut in central midfield.

“He had an operation and he played in the Euros, so it is normal that he should build up slowly”, said Ranieri. He twisted it. Tomorrow we’ll check.

‘I hope everybody plays with an extra edge, ‘ said the Italian, while rejecting the suggestion Vardy might have something extra to prove.

“Of course he, we have blocked the ankle, he is not happy”.

Indeed, Arsenal have won 12 and lost none of their last 18 against the Foxes who are suffering for the loss of N’Golo Kante to Chelsea.

The boss was less clear about whether Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud would start but I think we’ll see them left on the bench as Wenger suggested it would be too big a gamble to start all three after only having two weeks preparation for the game.

“It was a game of top-level intensity and I believe we responded well to last week’s disappointment”.

“Maybe [Musa should have had a penalty], again it was on the other side [of the pitch] but Leicester is very good at provoking in the box”.

Ranieri shifted from his safety-first stance to issue his team a points target that surpasses last season’s 81, a tougher task after losing the opening match to Hull. We had to fight until the end. Arsenal played a decent game when in possession, but were there for the taking when the Liverpool attacks got going.