On Friday evening, according to Lithuanian time, the 2017-18 English "Premier" League season started.
The London "Arsenal" faced off against "Leicester City" at the Emirates Stadium in the first duel of the new season. The start did not disappoint: spectators witnessed seven goals and a dramatic victory for Arsene Wenger's team.
The first goal of the new season was scored in the 2nd minute of the match - after a high pass from Mohamed Elneny, the newcomer to the "Gunners" Alexandre Lacazette headed the ball into the net.
It seemed that the North London team, which had started the game very confidently, would easily maintain their advantage, but just three minutes later Shinji Okazaki equalized after a set piece.
As if that wasn't enough, in the 29th minute, Jamie Vardy put the hosts in front from Leicester. "Arsenal" were shaken throughout the first half, but later regained composure and began to press their opponents.
Danny Welbeck scored a crucial equalizing goal just before half-time. The teams went into the break with a score of 2-2, promising an even greater battle in the second half.
The next 45 minutes began successfully for the "Leicester" footballers - in the 56th minute, Jamie Vardy completely unmarked beat Petr Cech after a corner kick by Riyad Mahrez.
Once again in the lead, "Leicester" retreated into defense and defended against the dangerous attacks from "Arsenal." Wenger made two important substitutions - Olivier Giroud and Aaron Ramsey appeared on the field.
As it turned out later, both substitutions brought victory to the "Arsenal" team. In the 83rd minute, A. Ramsey equalized after a masterful pass from Granit Xhaka, and just two minutes later, O. Giroud's header extended the dramatic victory for the "Gunners."
In the remaining time, the "Foxes" were unable to salvage a draw, so "Arsenal" secured the first three points of the season. Tomorrow, seven more matches of the new season will be played in England.
Result:
"Arsenal" 4 - 3 "Leicester" 2' [1 - 0] A. Lacazette 5' [1 - 1] S. Okazaki 29' [1 - 2] J. Vardy 45+2' [2 - 2] D. Welbeck 56' [2 - 3] J. Vardy 83' [3 - 3] A. Ramsey 85' [4 - 3] O. Giroud
Tournament table:
