Mikel Arteta selected an unchanged line-up from Arsenal’s victory over Manchester City for the second-leg of their EFL Cup semi-final away at Newcastle United, and paid the price as his team looked exhausted.
The Gunners thrashed City on the weekend to tighten their grip on second place in the Premier League.
The Arsenal boss opted for continuity in his team selection, granting the eleven that dispatched Pep Guardiola’s side the opportunity to reverse the two-goal deficit from the first leg at the Emirates.
Newcastle ultimately ran out 2-0 winners, with goals from Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon securing the Magpies a place in the final.
Leandro Trossard was hooked on the hour mark, and his performance has certainly sparked discourse online.
Arsenal fans divided on Leandro Trossard’s display against Newcastle
Trossard was praised for his showing against City, working exceptionally hard off the ball, while retaining possession in difficult positions high up the pitch.
However, his outing against Newcastle was a lot more hit-and-miss.
Several Arsenal attacks ran through the Belgian, but he was ultimately unable to convert his touches into many dangerous moments.
As the game went on, the Gunners faithful took to twitter to voice their thoughts on Trossard’s display.
One fan felt this was a continuation of his positive form, writing on X: “Trossard with another world-class performance.”
However, other fans were quick to question Arteta’s use of the former Brighton man in this game.
One supporter claimed that he should’ve been selected over Havertz as a false nine: “We need to use Trossard/Nwaneri as a false 9. Kai is too slow in his way of thinking. He slows down our play constantly.”
Another claimed Raheem Sterling should’ve started over Trossard for his transitional threat: “Especially if you are starting Trossard, like if we wanted to embrace a transition game there is no reason to play him over Sterling. But I think Arteta would have taken the approach if the starting defecit wasn’t that big.”
Meanwhile, other fans were less forgiving of Trossard’s exploits at St. James’ Park.
One wrote: “That Newcastle game has showed us that; 1) We need a new ST, could have got Watkins 2 days ago! 2) Need a new left winger, Trossard is absolutely useless 3) Stop this Odegaard #10 nonsense and play Nwaneri there or get Nypan.
“The next DOF has a big summer on his hands good luck!”
Another added: “I knew the difference was between Trossard and Tripper. Trippier ugly game play worked to their favour.”
Arsenal should consider selling Leandro Trossard
Despite his return to form over the last month, Trossard could be sold in the summer as he enters the final year of his contract.
The 30-year-old netted 17 goals in all competitions last season, but has managed just five this term, indicating that he’s starting to decline as he enters the latter stages of his career.
Arsenal should consider cashing in while they still can, and reinvesting in a younger option with a higher upside.
He’s undoubtedly proven to be an exceptional signing and great value for money at just £27 million, but his time at the Emirates is coming to an end.
Far from the issue against Newcastle, but ultimately Trossard didn’t have the physical capacity to turn some nice bits of footwork into meaningful moments inside the Tynesiders’ box.
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