Impressive Arsenal back into top four as Lacazette and Partey down Leicester

Alexandre Lacazette and Thomas Partey were on target as Arsenal reclaimed a top-four spot in the Premier League with a comfortable 2-0 win over Leicester at the Emirates.

The victory saw the Gunners climb back above Manchester United to return to the position they held going into the weekend, with a one-point advantage over Ralf Rangnick’s side and also with three games still in hand.

Partey gave Arsenal an early lead with an 11th-minute header and Lacazette scored from the penalty spot midway through the second half to seal all three points.

Lacazette’s goal was the French forward’s first since his spot-kick against Norwich on Boxing Day but he remains without a goal from open play since December 11 and, despite a run of impressive performances in recent weeks, his future at the club remains uncertain.

Manager Mikel Arteta said before the game that a decision over Lacazette will be made at the end of the season, but the 30-year-old put in another solid performance at No 9 at the Emirates.

Arsenal have not finished in the top four since Arsene Wenger was in charge and last season did not qualify for Europe for the first time since the 1994-95 campaign.

Looking to respond to United’s dramatic win over Tottenham on Saturday, Arsenal found themselves up against an in-form Leicester side that had won five of their last six matches in all competitions.

The Foxes were unable to keep the Gunners at bay on Sunday, though.

After the initial exchanges, Arsenal took the lead when Partey rose above his marker to head in at the near post from a Martin Odegaard corner.

Partey almost added a second less than 10 minutes later as Arsenal continued to push. When Leicester were unable to clear their lines, the ball fell to the Ghana