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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Matt Maltby

Arsenal training: 5 things we learned ahead of Leicester clash

Arsenal face a tricky Premier League trip to Leicester on Sunday as they look to bounce back from consecutive defeats.

The Gunners suffered a surprise 3-2 home loss to Crystal Palace last weekend before slipping to a 3-1 reverse at Wolves on Wednesday.

The results leave Arsenal fifth in the table, a point behind London rivals Chelsea in the final Champions League qualification spot.

Leicester ’s King Power Stadium is up next for Unai Emery’s men, who will be desperate to boost their hopes of a top-four finish.

The Spanish boss put his team through their paces on Saturday and, ahead of the clash, here are five things we learned…

Sokratis of Arsenal during training (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

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1. Shooting practice

Having struggled in the 3-1 defeat at Wolves on Wednesday, it seems Arsenal are intent on working on their shooting ahead of the Leicester clash.

Striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was seen taking part in a shooting practice drill at the club’s London Colney base.

The former Borussia Dortmund star has 19 league goals so far but is a doubt for Arsenal after missing the defeat at Wolves following a sinus procedure.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang takes part in a shooting practice drill (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

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2. Arsenal desperate to overcome slump

The Gunners have suffered shock back-to-back defeats in the Premier League, and will want to overcome this slump in their pursuit for a top-four spot.

The Gunners were under whelming in the defeat by Palace and then struggled to bounce back against Wolves.

Those results left them fifth in the table, one point behind fourth-placed Chelsea with just three games of the season remaining - and they'll need to be at their best to beat Leciester.

Lucas Torreira looks to have been in the wars (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

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3. Lacazette to lead the line

Alexandre Lacazette has gone three league games without a goal, and how Arsenal will need their star striker on form at Leicester.

The Frenchman has arguably been Arsenal’s star man this season, despite scoring fewer goals than team-mate Aubameyang.

His build-up play is often applauded by the Arsenal support and he'll undoubtedly cause Leicester’s defence problems at the King Power.

Alexandre Lacazette was all smiles ahead of Leicester clash (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

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4. Emery wants to recover confidence

Unai Emery admitted he has had to help his Arsenal players recover their confidence after consecutive defeats damaged their Champions League hopes.

Another tricky trip lies ahead with a game at Leicester on Sunday and Emery conceded he has had to lift his squad before heading to the King Power Stadium.

"The first target is to recover our confidence," he said.

"We can build on this confidence each minute, each hour, each day, each week - and above all we're training and we're looking for a big performance for the three points.”

Manager Unai emery delivers instructions to his players (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

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5. Iwobi looking to retain starting spot

The Nigeria international will be looking to keep his spot in the Arsenal starting XI, having struggled for regular game time over the last few months.

He has started four of the last eight league games for the Gunners, including the shock midweek defeat by Wolves.

And Iwobi looks up for the battle against Leicester as he was put through his paces during Saturday’s training session.

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