Martinelli strike keeps Arsenal's title drive on track

Gabriel Martinelli hit the only goal of the game as Premier League leaders Arsenal secured a narrow victory at Leicester.

The Gunners were the better side at the King Power Stadium but left with a hard-fought 1-0 win courtesy of Martinelli's effort early in the second half.

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The game lacked much of the drama witnessed in Arsenal's last-gasp victory at Aston Villa a week ago but it does ensure Mikel Arteta's side remain top of the table heading into their home clash with struggling Everton on Wednesday night.

Oleksandr Zinchenko was on the scoresheet in the vital win at Villa Park and was made captain here as a mark of respect on the first anniversary of the war in Ukraine.

The Ukraine international was named in a side showing just one change from the 4-2 win at Aston Villa as Martinelli returned in place of Eddie Nketiah.

Thomas Partey was fit enough for a late substitute appearance on his return from injury while James Maddison missed out entirely for Leicester due to his continuing knee trouble.

Arsenal started well and were dominant in the opening stages, with a fine Leandro Trossard strike seemingly giving them the lead just before the half-hour mark.

The Belgium forward collected the ball on the edge of the box and curled home a fine effort only to see it ruled out by VAR for a Ben White foul on Danny Ward in the build-up.

Leicester had the ball in the net moments later but it was a more clear-cut decision for the officials to chalk it off for an obvious offside against Kelechi Iheanacho.

The away side had dominated possession in a goalless first half but it did not take long for them to break the deadlock following the restart.

The second half was not a minute old when Trossard's pass through the legs of