Arsenal ace Leandro Trossard has now sent Mikel Arteta a statement on his role after starting as a striker against Sevilla in the Champions League amid a fresh injury crisis.
The Gunners beat Los Nervionenses 2-0 at Emirates Stadium this Wednesday after goals by Trossard and Bukayo Saka. It leaves Arsenal needing just one point to qualify for the round of 16 with two matches left. They continue their Group B run against RC Lens on November 29.
Trossard broke the deadlock in the 29th minute against Sevilla after Saka teed the 28-year-old up for a tap-in. It was his fifth goal in 13 games so far this season and second in Europe after scoring against PSV Eindhoven. The goal justified Arteta starting Trossard as a striker.
Trossard thrived on a rare central start as Arsenal beat Sevilla
Arteta opted to use Trossard as a striker as Arsenal lost Eddie Nketiah to a knee injury before facing Sevilla. The issue had stopped the 24-year-old from training ahead of the Champions League tie. He also joined Gabriel Jesus out of action while he overcomes a hamstring injury.
Nketiah could return from his injury this Saturday as the Gunners welcome Burnley to north London. But Trossard has left Arteta with a decision to make after scoring against Sevilla. He was lively throughout the Group B tie, as well, and enjoyed a smattering of chances to score.
Trossard sends Arteta a clear statement on playing as a striker
Arteta had only started Trossard as a striker once this season prior to Arsenal meeting Sevilla on Wednesday. The Belgian opened the action through the centre as the Gunners drew with Fulham in August. But Arteta hooked him at half-time for Nketiah with the Cottagers 1-0 up.
Trossard is not opposed to starting further fixtures as a striker for Arsenal if Arteta decides it is necessary. But the 28-cap winger has now sent the Spaniard a clear message, stating that he must know what the Gunners boss wants of him and not to expect spontaneous success.
“He knows I like to swap positions during the game,” Trossard noted, via quotes by the Daily Mail. “We have those types of players as well, and it creates a bit of chaos for the opposition team. I am really happy with tonight.
“I always need to be switched on, to be honest! I always need to know my role. But I like it, I will never back down from anything. If you put me as a striker or a winger or a No10, I will always play my game.”
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
