Mikel Arteta told the media on Monday that one Arsenal star can make an impact in a certain position, and the player in question delivered against Athletic Club.
Arsenal won 2-0 in Bilbao, courtesy of late goals from substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
The latter played in the former for the opener, before the Brazilian repaid the favour, setting the Belgian up for the second goal.
The result sees the Gunners get their Champions League campaign off to a flying start, with Olympiacos the next opponents for Arteta’s men in a few weeks.
Mikel Arteta identified Leandro Trossard as a striker option before Athletic Club match
Kai Havertz is currently recovering from a serious knee injury he sustained during the opening game of the season against Manchester United.
The German isn’t expected to make a return until November at the earliest, and thus, the Gunners need players who can take minutes off Viktor Gyokeres in the next two months.
Mikel Merino is an option, although Arteta will no doubt want to keep the Spanish midfielder in his natural position as much as possible.
Arteta cited Trossard as an alternative to Gyokeres on Monday, the night before the 30-year-old made a significant impact off the bench in the centre-forward position.
“Against Forest at the end, Mikel [Merino] played as a nine,” the manager said.
“We have Leo [Trossard] who can play there, we have other options and other formations that we can adjust to that. At the moment, Viktor is doing really well, so I’m really happy with that.”
Many might’ve sneered at Arteta’s suggestion of Trossard as a number nine, given the Belgium international wasn’t overly impressive in this role last season, but he delivered at San Mames.
Flicking the ball forward into Martinelli’s path for the opener and showing composure inside the box to take his goal for the second, it was an excellent cameo display from the makeshift number nine.
Leandro Trossard is still a valuable squad member at Arsenal
Arsenal signed Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze this summer, and many may have believed these additions would make Trossard somewhat redundant in the Gunners’ squad.
However, his versatility and technical quality mean he’s still an extremely valuable player for Arteta to have at his disposal.
Trossard has been described as ‘underrated’ in the past, and it’s clear from how he’s become forgotten about that this is likely a valid description of him.
While unlikely to be a regular starter at any point, he’ll still prove useful in a lot of specific scenarios, either up front or on the left wing.
| Statistical Comparison 2024/25 (League Only) | ||
| Stat | Trossard | Martinelli |
| Appearances | 38 | 33 |
| Goals | 8 | 8 |
| Assists | 7 | 4 |
| Shots | 2.54 | 2.17 |
| Expected Goals per 90 | 0.25 | 0.29 |
| Key Passes per 90 | 1.45 | 1.57 |
| Expected Assists per 90 | 0.14 | 0.19 |
| Successful Take-Ons per 90 | 1.34 | 1.30 |
The same goes for Martinelli, who has been scrutinised in recent weeks, but showcased his valuable attributes with his cameo against Athletic Club.
The Arsenal squad is looking healthy and ready to compete on multiple fronts.
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