Leandro Trossard was a surprise inclusion in Arsenal’s starting line-up against Manchester City at the weekend, with many supporters expecting Eberechi Eze to retain his place in the team. The decision highlighted the competition for attacking roles at the Emirates this season, with several new arrivals increasing pressure on established squad members.
A Disappointing Display Against City
Trossard’s selection raised eyebrows before kick-off, and his performance did little to silence scepticism. Featuring for 84 minutes, he failed to make a significant impact in a match where Arsenal controlled possession for long periods. According to Football Insider, the Belgian recorded zero shots and key passes among other disappointing statistics, underlining a muted display on a major stage.
The report further noted that frustration among some sections of the fanbase has grown, with renewed calls for Trossard to be sold. Such reactions reflect the high expectations placed on Arsenal’s attacking players, particularly in fixtures against direct rivals. In the wake of his underwhelming showing, doubts have resurfaced about his long-term role in the squad.
Balancing Patience and Squad Depth
Despite the criticism, it is important to acknowledge that the clash with Manchester City was a challenging fixture for several Arsenal players, many of whom struggled to exert consistent influence. One performance cannot define a player’s future, especially someone of Trossard’s experience and versatility. His ability to operate across multiple attacking positions makes him a valuable asset for squad depth, a critical component in a long and demanding campaign.
While his place in the starting eleven may come under threat as others compete for minutes, Trossard’s role as an experienced option should not be dismissed lightly. Maintaining strength in depth is vital for Arsenal if they are to compete effectively in both domestic and European competitions, and squad rotation will be essential as the season progresses.
The City game may not have shown Trossard at his best, but it would be premature to judge him solely on that performance.
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I haven’t seen any calls for Trossard to be sold, who’s next then, Gyokeres?
Mikel Arteta’ name Leandro Trosaard in the starting eleven after his goal and assists in the midweek win over Athletic Bilbao.
In.my opinion it was a tactical error born out of over thinking on the gaffer’s part, but these kind of miscalculation is not unique in clashes where the stakes are high.
Given the gaffer stubborn nature, he did took drastic action to correct the situation at halftime, and you could see the mentality changed immediately on the pitch and by extension inspired the fans as the atmosphere became electric.
But the gaffer has now box himself into a corner, with the former Crystal Palace Man making his first Hollywood pass from his favored midfield stomping ground spot, it is going to be hard playing him again out of position going forward, especially when the low blocks teams come to town.
Trossard is best for playing second half o. He’s a super sub
Eze should have kept his place in the starting team, but not on the LW.
Trossard did okay, though struggled in the first half. He was sharp in the second half. He was not the only one that had a bad game. I feel the bad decision was dropping Mosquera for Saliba for no reason. Given Saliba’s contract situation I totally understand the situation. Gabriel did not cover himself in glory for that goal, he didn’t sprint back to recover, he was clearly not fit 100%. I know Harlaand has pace but I doubt he is faster than Gabriel. So please leave Trossard alone, don’t try to make him your scapegoat.
Saliba should have chosen to close Harlaand and let the ball go to Doku who would have been in a more difficult angle. Arguable choice of defending. While what happened for the goal could be said to be unstoppable it is arguable Saliba didn’t at least make the best choice to see what happens. He could make the best choice and the goal still gets scored but I always want to see them make the best choice.
Also despite the Liverpool free kick looking well taken I was not impressed with Raya’s positioning. Even if it seemed it would have still gone in no matter where he stood, he should have still positioned well and then see what happens.
Please leave Trossard alone.
Excellent analysis Prosiscky.Our centre backs certainly botched up for the City goal but credit to Harlaand who finished superbly .
How did Liverpool get into your “appraisal” of our play against Man City?
I said after the Liverpool game that Raya was in the wrong position. When a free kick is centre to the goal you don’t stand to one side. Stand in the middle and you stand a better chance going either way.
The Haaland goal I think he could have done better.as it didn’t seem a hard kick was way off the mark in this game and should have been taken off at half time. As we know now Noni was injured so Martinelli and Eze should have on in place of Trossard and Merino.
But what do I know? Ahead of the manager.
Totally agree with you in regard to Saliba and Raya. Mosquera tends to be more Cautious when Arsenal is going forward and i was thinking that if it was him playing may be we would have not conceded that goal.
“frustration among some sections of the fanbase has grown, with renewed calls for Trossard to be sold.”
We’re always going to have these chimps on social media. Next week they’ll pick another scapegoat.
According to these fans, a player cant have an off day. If he does, he mutt be sold.
Wow moment!!!. Who are we going to be left with in the the team?
Yaah neh, my fellow Arsenal fans are forever stunning… Eze was no where near his best in the Athletic club game – he was home in London on the pitch… And he had never been deployed in that central position for the gunners… The coach took a bet and introduced him at the break ahead of Nwaneri… It worked and now everyone suggests Arteta should have started him there instead…
Had he flopped on the day Arteta would have been the idiot now for experimenting with Eze centrally in a high stakes match… That section of fans would be telling us It’s because Arteta hates Nwaneri
Had he started Ethan, then the coach would be accused of lacking reasoning -.why go for talent and promise ahead of experience… Go on prophets of Arsenal, you seem to know what would have worked only after the final whistle. I bet you to apply for the job when Arteta is finally sacked.
It was the tactics that stunted everyone.
Eze in the CAM position would have brought balance to the team instead it was balanced in favour of caution.
I only hope that MA noticed the change in our creative fortunes when he brought on Eze and Saka – it was clear for all to see.
And you cannot blame Trossard.
The manager will always take the credit for good tactical decisions and the blame for bad ones – it is the way of things and is what he gets paid for..
Many fans are talking about Trossard all day and still the person who contributed zero #Merino no one complaint about his game, I really pity Arsenal fans who don’t know how to analyze or see where the error is. The match against city was at big stake, if Arteta don’t need to start Eze in number 10 role he supposed to start with Nwanweri not weak and close brain Merino.
Trossard did his best in both halves why can’t we reason and leave the innocent man alone. Lastly if Arteta want to win something this season let him forget about Merino in starting lineup for good and use him only to substitute striker towards stopping time period.
Trosard is not a good starter,but a very good substitute for the second half
I agree with you.
So Mikel merino who has contributed zero stats should be maintained whilst Trossard who has given Arsenal one goal in the Champions League should be sold ?
Interesting