‘Bellerin puts forward his case’ – Three things learnt from Arsenal 1-0 Leicester

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Bellerin puts forward his case as a wing-back

After victories against Middlesbrough and Manchester City using a new three-man defensive system, Arsene Wenger persevered with his winning formula once again for the visit of Leicester City.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was rested after his match-winning exploits at Wembley at the weekend, so Hector Bellerin returned to the side after being dropped for the FA Cup semi-final win.

The 22-year-old seemed to revel in his new, more attacking role, carrying the same threat bombing forward as he does as a right-back but he seemed to play with an extra sense of freedom; with Laurent Koscielny covering in defence, Bellerin could abandon some of his usual defensive responsibilities.

Perhaps guilty of over-doing it on the ball at times, the Spaniard still looked like Arsenal’s liveliest option all match with his willingness to run directly at the Foxes and make them commit to a tackle.

Bright whenever in possession of the ball, his searching runs cutting in from the right allowed Theo Walcott to peel off into space and it was testament to his display that the majority of play – in the first-half in particularly – came down the right-hand side of the field, and through Bellerin.

If Wenger decides to work with this formation next season, and if Bellerin remains at the Emirates amid speculation of a move, the Spaniard could thrive in a new role next Premier League season.