Arsenal vs. Leicester: Breaking Down Santi Cazorla's Performance Against Foxes

Since the turn of the year, Santi Cazorla has been in dazzling form. However, it seems Premier League defences are now getting wise to his threat. In Arsenal's last two games, Cazorla has struggled to make a considerable impact.

Although his passing rate against Leicester was typically consistent (with a completion rate of 90 percent), he was not able to convert considerable possession into a dominating performance.

One area that was curiously below par was his dribbling. During January's landmark win over Manchester City, Cazorla attempted a remarkable 14 take-ons, succeeding with 10. That quick-footed wizardry enabled him to swivel away from his markers and launch counter-attacks from deep. Against Leicester, he only tried to beat his man on twice, failing on both occasions.

Cazorla's lack of contribution is in part explained by the way Arsenal's technical level dipped in the second half.

"I feel that we were in control for the first half, but when we were in control, they had one or two good chances on the counter-attack," manager Arsene Wenger explained to Arsenal's official website. "In the second half, we lost our cohesion, our technical superiority, and Leicester was always dangerous going forward."

As the creative fulcrum of the Arsenal side, Cazorla suffered when Arsenal's collective game nosedived after half-time.

An alternative explanation for the slight dip in Cazorla's performances is the return of Mesut Ozil. With the German playmaker back in the starting XI, Cazorla may find many of the positions he thrives in more crowded than usual.

Cazorla's heat map against Leicester shows that as a rule, he looks to operate in the space between the midfield and the centre-forward.

Cazorla heat map vs. Leicester | Squawka.com

Despite initially being deployed on the left wing, Ozil ended up operating in much the same area.

Ozil heat map vs. Leicester | Squawka.com

That diffusion of creative responsibility is not necessarily a good thing. Cazorla seemed invigorated by being the team's undisputed instigator. Now, Wenger must carefully consider how to get the best out of two players who would prefer to operate in the same part of the field.

One of the most startling aspects of Cazorla's recent form has been his improved defensive contribution. However, against Leicester, he completed just 14 percent of his attempted tackles.

Cazorla tackles vs. Leicester | Squawka.com

He also failed to win a single header, make an interception or complete a clearance. It's not his natural game, but a more combative performance from Cazorla might have eased the pressure Arsenal found themselves under in the game's latter stages. Had it not been for the injury to Aaron Ramsey, he might well have found himself replaced by Mathieu Flamini to help close the match out.

Cazorla is perhaps beginning to feel the effects of a draining campaign. A rest for the FA Cup tie with Middlesbrough could be just what's needed to see him return to his brilliant best.

All stats via Squawka.com

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and is following the club from a London base throughout the 2014-15 season. Follow him on Twitter here.