Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised Leandro Trossard for what the Belgian gives compared to Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah after scoring in the 2-0 win over Sevilla.
The 28-year-old broke the deadlock on Wednesday after starting the Champions League tie as a striker. Arteta was without both of Jesus and Nketiah against Sevilla as Arsenal deal with an injury crisis. It marked the second time this season that Trossard has featured as a striker.
Trossard gave Arsenal the lead over Sevilla in the 29th minute of the Group B tie at Emirates Stadium. The natural winger curved his run to stay onside as Bukayo Saka cut the ball across Los Nervionenses’ area for a tap-in. Jorginho had played Saka in with a precise through ball.
Trossard shines as Arsenal wrestle injuries to Jesus and Nketiah
Arsenal confirmed ahead of Sevilla’s visit to north London that Nketiah would miss the game after sustaining an ankle knock. He has joined Jesus in the treatment room at London Colney with the Brazilian recovering from a hamstring injury that could sideline him until December.
Trossard worked hard to ensure Arsenal did not miss Nketiah and Jesus against Sevilla away from his goal. The 28-cap attacker was lively throughout and came close to scoring multiple efforts. He further helped to knit the Gunners’ frontline together on a rare start this season.
What has Arteta said about Trossard’s performance vs Sevilla?
Arteta has only started Trossard in six of his 13 appearances over a possible 18 games so far this season. Three of those starts have been in the Champions League, as well, after opening their win over Sevilla. He has started just two Premier League fixtures from his seven games.
But what Trossard produced on Wednesday night drew praise from Arteta after Arsenal beat Sevilla 2-0. The Gunners coach admits he cannot necessarily get a perfect attacking balance with their injuries. But he likes that Trossard adds new ideas compared to Jesus and Nketiah.
“I don’t know where that perfect balance is,” Arteta said, via quotes by football.london. “It’s just what we have. If you look at Gabi Jesus, he’s only played one game [as a striker] in the Premier League. He played three in the CL and scored four goals. It’s what it is.
“Having Leo here, who is so reliable and gives you something different to Eddie and him, it’s a joy. I’m really happy with them.”
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