Aubameyang and Ozil inspire Arsenal comeback against Leicester

By Alistair Smout

LONDON (Reuters) – Arsenal substitute Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice in three minutes and captain Mesut Ozil starred as they extended their winning run on Monday with a 3- 1 over Leicester City in the Premier League.

Substitute Aubameyang was in the right place to tap into the empty net in the 63rd minute to give Arsenal the lead and was on hand to complete a team move in the 66th which was orchestrated by Ozil, who had scored the first goal for equalize. .

Arsenal extended their winning streak in all competitions to 10 games and moved up to fourth place with 21 points from nine games, two points behind Manchester City and Liverpool and level with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in fifth.

After falling behind to Hector Bellerin’s own goal just after the half-hour mark, Arsenal grew into the game and midfielder Ozil scored the equalizer off the bar just before half-time.

Ozil, who was in charge on the night, struck a first-time left-footed shot past goalkeeper Kaspar Schmeichel after crossing from the halfway line and exchanging passes with Bellerin.

The German was also at the center of Arsenal’s third goal, sparking the move with a back-heel, then ripping a pass before continuing his run to receive a first-time ball from Alexandre Lacazette, before to flick it over the onrushing Schmeichel to leave Aubameyang with the simplest of finishes.

“SEXY” FOOTBALL.

Ozil tweeted that Arsenal played “sexy” football and that he was proud to be captain. Manager Unai Emery agreed with the performance assessment but said the midfielder could lead the team by example even when not wearing the armband.

“From Mesut Ozil today, it’s a very good performance,” said Emery. “I think he can play a lot with that commitment, his demeanor, and his quality, (as) captain or not.”

Leicester started the stronger at the Emirates and full-back Ben Chilwell forced the opener when his cross deflected off Bellerin into the Arsenal net in the 31st minute.

He could also have had a penalty after Arsenal centre-back Rob Holding handled the ball seconds after being booked.

“For me it was a penalty and a sending off,” Leicester manager Claude Puel said. “At this point, with our dominance in the game, we could have continued our performance, this great performance, 11 against 10.”

Arsenal’s next game is at Crystal Palace on Sunday after they play Sporting in the Europa League in Lisbon on Thursday, while Leicester City host West Ham United on Saturday.

(Reporting by Alistair Smout Editing by Pritha Sarkar and Ken Ferris)