Arsenal Vs Leicester 2015/16: A Season To Remember

The 2015/16 Premier League season was truly unforgettable, especially for fans of Arsenal and Leicester City. While Arsenal aimed to finally clinch the title, Leicester City defied all expectations with their miraculous run. This article dives deep into the key moments, players, and tactical battles of those epic clashes between these two teams.

The Pre-Season Buzz

Before the season kicked off, nobody really had Leicester City down as potential title contenders. Arsenal, on the other hand, were tipped as one of the favorites, having strengthened their squad and seemingly ready to mount a serious challenge. The Gunners had a squad brimming with talent, including stars like Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil, Petr Cech and Olivier Giroud, who was newly acquired. The general feeling was that this could finally be Arsenal's year to lift the Premier League trophy again.

Leicester, however, were viewed quite differently. Having narrowly escaped relegation the previous season, their main aim was simply to stay in the Premier League. Under the guidance of their manager, Claudio Ranieri, they quietly went about their business, focusing on building a solid team spirit and a well-organized defense. Their pre-season form didn't particularly stand out, but there was a sense of quiet determination within the squad. Little did anyone know, they were about to embark on one of the most incredible stories in football history.

Arsenal's pre-season was decent, with fans optimistic about their chances. The arrival of Petr Cech was seen as a major boost, finally providing them with a world-class goalkeeper. However, there were still some lingering doubts about their consistency and mental strength, qualities that had often let them down in previous seasons. Despite these concerns, the general consensus was that Arsenal had a squad capable of challenging for the title.

First Encounter: Leicester's Early Warning

The first match between Arsenal and Leicester City in the 2015/16 season took place on September 26, 2015, at the King Power Stadium. What seemed like a routine fixture turned out to be a thrilling encounter, providing an early glimpse of what Leicester City were capable of. The game ended in a 5-2 victory for Arsenal, but the scoreline didn't tell the whole story.

Leicester, playing with their characteristic counter-attacking style, initially took the lead through Jamie Vardy. His pace and finishing ability were already causing problems for opposition defenses. Arsenal responded through Theo Walcott, leveling the score and regaining control of the match. However, Leicester remained a threat on the break, and Vardy scored again to put them back in front. The first half was a captivating display of attacking football from both sides.

In the second half, Arsenal's superior quality began to show. Alexis Sanchez, who had been struggling for form, exploded into life, scoring a hat-trick. His goals were a mix of clinical finishing and individual brilliance, showcasing his immense talent. Olivier Giroud added a fifth goal for Arsenal, sealing a comfortable victory. Despite the defeat, Leicester's performance was far from disappointing. They had shown they could compete with the top teams, and their attacking threat was evident. This match served as an early warning to Arsenal and the rest of the league that Leicester were not to be underestimated.

The tactical setup of both teams was also noteworthy. Arsenal, with their possession-based game, dominated the ball, while Leicester relied on quick transitions and direct attacks. The midfield battle was intense, with both teams trying to control the tempo of the game. Arsenal's experience and quality ultimately proved to be the difference, but Leicester's resilience and determination were clear for all to see. This first encounter set the stage for an intriguing rivalry that would unfold throughout the season.

The Return Leg: A Title-Defining Moment

The return match at the Emirates Stadium on February 14, 2016, was arguably the most significant game of the season. By this point, Leicester City were top of the league, defying all pre-season predictions. Arsenal were also in the title race, and a victory was crucial for their hopes of catching the Foxes. The atmosphere was electric, with fans fully aware of the magnitude of the game.

The match was a tense and tactical affair, with both teams adopting a cautious approach. Leicester, known for their defensive solidity, were difficult to break down. Arsenal struggled to create clear-cut chances, and the game remained goalless for a long period. In the first half, both teams probed and tested each other's defenses, but neither could find a breakthrough. The midfield battle was particularly intense, with N'Golo Kante and Danny Drinkwater working tirelessly for Leicester, disrupting Arsenal's flow.

Leicester took the lead through a penalty, awarded after Jamie Vardy was brought down in the box. Vardy himself converted the spot-kick, putting Leicester ahead and silencing the Emirates crowd. Arsenal responded with relentless pressure, but Leicester's defense held firm. The game was filled with drama, with several controversial decisions and near misses. As the clock ticked down, it looked like Leicester were heading for a famous victory.

However, Arsenal refused to give up. Substitute Theo Walcott equalized with a well-taken goal, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans. The momentum shifted, and Arsenal pushed for a winner. In the dying moments of the game, Danny Simpson was sent off for Leicester, giving Arsenal a numerical advantage. From the resulting free-kick, Danny Welbeck, who had just returned from a long-term injury, headed in the winning goal. The Emirates erupted in jubilation, as Arsenal secured a vital victory. This win seemed to reignite Arsenal's title aspirations while shaking Leicester's aura of invincibility, at least for a while.

This match was a turning point in the season, not just for Arsenal and Leicester, but for the entire title race. Arsenal's late victory boosted their confidence and sent a message to their rivals. For Leicester, it was a painful defeat, but they showed incredible resilience to bounce back from the disappointment. The tactical nuances of the game were also fascinating, with both managers making key substitutions and adjustments. Arsenal's persistence and determination ultimately paid off, but Leicester's performance was a testament to their incredible season.

Key Players and Tactical Showdowns

The 2015/16 season saw some outstanding individual performances from both Arsenal and Leicester. For Arsenal, Mesut Ozil was in sensational form, providing numerous assists and dictating the tempo of their attacks. Alexis Sanchez, despite a slow start, eventually found his rhythm and contributed with crucial goals. Petr Cech's presence in goal brought stability and experience to the defense. And let's not forget the impact of players like Aaron Ramsey, and Olivier Giroud, who all played significant roles.

Leicester's success was built on a strong team ethic and the individual brilliance of several key players. Jamie Vardy's goal-scoring exploits captured the imagination of the nation, while Riyad Mahrez's trickery and creativity bamboozled opposition defenders. N'Golo Kante's tireless work in midfield provided the platform for their attacks, and Wes Morgan and Robert Huth formed a formidable defensive partnership. These players, along with others like Danny Drinkwater and Kasper Schmeichel, created a cohesive and effective unit.

The tactical approaches of Arsene Wenger and Claudio Ranieri were also key to their respective teams' success. Wenger's Arsenal were known for their possession-based game, intricate passing, and attacking flair. Ranieri's Leicester, on the other hand, were masters of the counter-attack, relying on quick transitions and direct play. Their defensive organization and tactical discipline were also impressive. The clashes between these two contrasting styles made for some fascinating encounters.

The Aftermath: Leicester's Triumph

Despite Arsenal's victory in the return leg, it was Leicester City who ultimately lifted the Premier League trophy in 2016. Their incredible consistency, coupled with their unwavering belief, saw them defy all odds and achieve the impossible. Arsenal, despite their strong squad and occasional flashes of brilliance, ultimately fell short, finishing second in the table. Leicester's triumph was a victory for the underdog, a testament to the power of teamwork, and a reminder that anything is possible in football.

The 2015/16 season will forever be remembered as one of the most remarkable in Premier League history. Leicester City's fairytale title win captured the hearts of fans around the world, while Arsenal's quest for glory ended in disappointment. The clashes between these two teams were filled with drama, excitement, and tactical intrigue. Whether you're an Arsenal fan or a Leicester supporter, there's no denying that the 2015/16 season was truly special.

Conclusion

The 2015/16 season was a rollercoaster for both Arsenal and Leicester City. While Arsenal had moments of brilliance, they couldn't maintain consistency. Leicester, against all odds, etched their name in football history with an unprecedented title win. The head-to-head clashes between these teams provided some of the most memorable moments of the season, showcasing the contrasting styles and individual brilliance of both squads. Ultimately, it was Leicester's unwavering spirit and tactical astuteness that led them to glory, making them a true inspiration for underdogs everywhere. Guys, it was a season we'll never forget!