Arsenal might have snatched victory at the death against Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.
The Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw in this Premier League showdown at Stamford Bridge.
The North London club took the lead in the second half, as Gabriel Martinelli steered the ball home, having been picked out at the back post by Martin Odegaard.
However, just ten minutes later, Pedro Neto fired the Blues level, beating David Raya from range. Mikel Arteta slammed his Arsenal players for their defensive lapse that allowed Neto to take an effort at goal.
Despite this, the Spanish coach’s side might have made amends with the final kick of the game had Leandro Trossard managed to convert from close range.
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Arsenal fans take aim at Leandro Trossard after Chelsea draw
In the final seconds of the match, William Saliba fired a low cross across the face of goal. Trossard arrived in time to connect with the ball, just a couple of yards out, but did not make strong enough contact to steer the ball on target.
Instead, the Belgian diverted the ball past the post, and out of reach of Kai Havertz, who had been waiting to tap it home. As soon as the ball went out of play, referee Michael Oliver blew the full-time whistle.
Arsenal fans on X were incensed by Trossard’s decision to take the ball off of Havertz’s toe and his failure to find the back of the net.
One supporter admitted: “I don’t think I can say I have gone from loving someone to actively not wanting them to play anymore so quickly, than I have with Leo Trossard.”
Another stated: “I’m done with Trossard. He’s cost us 3 games this season. City, Palace, Chelsea. Stinking the place out with his attitude since the Villa game.”
One said: “Trossard, you criminal.”
Another claimed: “Trossard. I am speechless.”
Had Trossard scored, Saliba might have been found offside by a VAR review, but it would have been a close call in any case.
Should Mikel Arteta sell Trossard in January?
Trossard has been in poor form for Arsenal for several weeks now, and was dropped from the starting XI for this fixture to allow for the return of Odegaard.
Arteta needs to now seriously consider the 29-year-old’s future at the club. At this stage in his career, Trossard is not going to improve further, and his resale value will diminish with age and time spent on the bench.
Arsenal need to freshen up their attack, as they have struggled to score goals in recent weeks, and moving on Trossard in the upcoming January transfer window in order to replace him with an upgrade could provide just the kind of final third boost that the club needs.
What’s more, it now seems that many supporters would not be so sad to see the player depart the Emirates Stadium this winter.
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