Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi found himself both a hero and a culprit in Leicester City’s agonising 4-2 loss to Arsenal in a thrilling Premier League clash at the Emirates on Saturday.
Ndidi, who has been a standout performer this season, contributed his fourth assist of the campaign, Footballrover reports.
He set up James Justin for Leicester’s second goal, which momentarily levelled the score at 2-2.
However, the 27-year-old was also involved in the dramatic turn of events that ultimately cost his team the game.
Ndidi’s assist and Arsenal’s early dominance
Leicester, still searching for their first Premier League win of the season, showed grit after going two goals down in the first half.
Gabriel Martinelli struck first for Arsenal in the 20th minute with a powerful shot, and Leandro Trossard doubled the Gunners’ lead with a perfectly timed volley just before halftime.
The Foxes refused to go down quietly. Facundo Buonanotte’s pinpoint free kick found James Justin, who clawed one back for Leicester, giving them hope.
Ndidi, then in full playmaker mode, threaded a perfect pass to Justin once again, who finished with precision to tie the game.
Own goal heartbreak as Leicester struggles continue
But just as Leicester appeared to have clawed their way back, disaster struck.
Ndidi, while defending a corner kick late in the match, inadvertently redirected Leandro Trossard’s shot past goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, giving Arsenal a 3-2 lead.
To compound Leicester’s misery, Kai Havertz sealed the win for the Gunners in stoppage time, adding a fourth goal to secure the three points for Arsenal.
Ndidi’s all-around performance saw him register five tackles, 55 touches, and 20 accurate passes, while also excelling defensively with eight clearances and two blocks.
However, his crucial own goal cast a shadow over his otherwise industrious display.
To add insult to injury, the Nigerian also received a yellow card for a late challenge.
Despite the rough patch, Ndidi has been a shining light in Leicester’s squad, with four assists and a goal in the Premier League this season.
However, the Foxes have been unable to capitalise on his contributions, with three defeats and three draws in their opening six matches.
Their only victories have come in the EFL Cup, where they thrashed Tranmere 4-0 and edged out Walsall on penalties.
Defeated at the last.#ARSLEI pic.twitter.com/IREEHAHIYX
— Leicester City (@LCFC) September 28, 2024
Leicester’s hunt for their first league win continues as they prepare to face Bournemouth at the King Power Stadium next weekend.
Ndidi will be looking to shake off the disappointment of this match and help steer his team back to winning ways.
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