Alan Shearer has unveiled his Premier League team of the week for match-week 6, and despite Leicester City’s defeat to Arsenal, two of their players have earned a place in his lineup.
The Foxes may still be reeling from the 4-2 loss at the Emirates Stadium, but Shearer has recognised the outstanding performances of James Justin and Mads Hermansen.
Leicester came agonisingly close to snatching a point from Arsenal, only to be undone by two late goals in injury time.
While the result was a bitter pill to swallow, the team had battled hard to draw level during the match. Despite conceding four goals, it was Leicester’s defensive duo who caught Shearer’s eye.
Alan Shearer selects two Leicester City players in Premier League Team of the Week:
1. James Justin
In a match where Arsenal dominated much of the play, James Justin emerged as Leicester’s standout performer. The full-back was instrumental in keeping Leicester in the contest, scoring twice in what was an unexpected attacking contribution from him.
Justin’s performance was particularly remarkable given his low expected goal rate (xG) of just 0.15. Despite this, he managed to score twice from three shots, including a sensational volley that left Arsenal stunned.
Shearer, clearly impressed, said: “TWO goals at Emirates Stadium, including a stunning volley. I would have been proud of that one!”
Such praise from the Premier League’s all-time top scorer speaks volumes about the quality of Justin’s goals and overall performance, even in defeat.
2. Mads Hermansen
In a rare move, Shearer also selected Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen for his team of the week, despite the Dane conceding four goals. On the surface, it might seem odd to include a goalkeeper who shipped four goals, but Hermansen’s efforts were nothing short of heroic.
Arsenal peppered Leicester’s goal with 35 shots, 16 of which were on target. With nine big chances created by the Gunners, Hermansen’s six or seven crucial saves helped keep the scoreline more respectable than it might have been.
Shearer explained his decision: “It may seem strange including a goalkeeper who conceded four goals, but he made six or seven great saves as Leicester threatened an upset at Arsenal until the final moments.”
Looking ahead, Leicester will host Bournemouth at the King Power Stadium in their next Premier League fixture.
The Cherries have shown resilience early in the season, but Leicester can take heart from their performance against Arsenal, knowing they are capable of bouncing back.