Arsenal versus Leicester City preview: 5 key points to watch

3. Can Arsenal stay patient?

As I mentioned before, this game is the ultimate in contrasting styles. Leicester will be happy to sit back and watch Arsenal pass the ball around, as long as it isn’t in a dangerous area. Arsenal will need to stay patient if they want to break down the Leicester defense.

Perhaps more importantly, they need to maintain their composure and patience to prevent Leicester from getting out on the counter attack. That’s how the Foxes will want to score. If Arsenal gets overly-ambitious with their passing, they could get burned by the likes of Vardy and Mahrez.

Instead, Arsenal will need to take what the Leicester defense gives them. They’ll have plenty of time on the ball, and must pass the ball carefully in an effort to wear Leicester down. Their best chance to score will be to lull the opposing defense to sleep with some boring, possession-based football. Fortunately for Arsenal, that’s one of their specialties.

Still, especially at the beginning of the game when adrenaline is flowing for both sides, the Gunners have to guard against going for glory too much. If they push too many men forward looking for the early advantage, Peter Cech is likely to be picking the ball out of the back of his own net. Arsenal doesn’t need to try to score five goals again, just a patient pair will do.

Next: 2. Can Arsenal's centre backs keep up with Jamie Vardy?