“Massive potential”: BBC journalist asserts that “top” Leicester City talent will continue to improve despite loss to Arsenal.
Leicester City can consider themselves extremely unfortunate to have departed The Emirates empty-handed following a 4-2 loss to Arsenal.
Following a week in which Leicester City drew 1-1 at home against Everton and then 0-0 against Walsall in the Carabao Cup, few expected them to hold their own against Arsenal.
The first half seemed to confirm those doubts, as Leicester found themselves down 2-0 at halftime.
However, whatever Steve Cooper said during the break proved effective, as James Justin netted two unexpected goals to equalize the score at 2-2 within just 20 minutes of the restart.
Leicester fought valiantly to secure a surprising away point against the title-contending Arsenal, but heartbreak struck in the 94th minute when a cruel own goal from Wilfred Ndidi broke their resilience.
Kai Havertz then added a fourth goal for Arsenal before the final whistle.
Despite the defeat, Leicester’s outfield players put forth an impressive defensive effort in the second half, working tirelessly to maintain the draw.
Goalkeeper Mads Hermansen was also kept busy throughout the match. Arsenal unleashed a staggering 36 shots and earned 17 corners, putting significant pressure on the Leicester goal.
Hermansen delivered a standout performance, making 13 saves despite conceding four goals, giving Leicester fans hope for an upset.
BBC Sport journalist John Bennet was notably impressed with the Danish goalkeeper, stating on X, “Leicester City’s recruitment has been very hit and miss over the last few years…
But you can very comfortably put Mads Hermansen in the hit column, and then some.
He’s a top, modern keeper with huge potential to improve.”
Bennet’s assessment of Leicester’s recent recruitment is accurate; however, Director of Football Jon Rudkin deserves credit for securing Hermansen’s signing.
The club paid Danish side Brondby around £6 million for the goalkeeper in the summer of 2023, having identified him as a player suited to Enzo Maraca’s possession-based style.
Although there has been less emphasis on possession since Cooper’s arrival, Hermansen has shown himself to be a reliable goalkeeper capable of performing well in the Premier League.
Cooper understands that Hermansen will be vital for Leicester’s hopes of remaining in the top flight this season, and the goalkeeper will likely look forward to a quieter outing against Bournemouth in their next match.
