Arsenal player with just 26 touches vs Brighton proves Edu was right to sanction Raheem Sterling loan

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Arsenal dropped points on the third match day of the 2024/25 season as Brighton took a point away from the Emirates.

Declan Rice’s red card clouded the fixture, as the midfielder was dismissed controversially early into the second half. 

Mikel Arteta had a lot to say about the dismissal, as his side then went on to concede an equaliser courtesy of Joao Pedro. 

Pedro’s goal cancelled out Kai Havertz’s first-half chip on what was a frustrating afternoon in North London for the hosts.

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Leandro Trossard failed to make an impact against Brighton

One player who would’ve been desperate to make his mark in Arteta’s XI against Brighton was Leandro Trossard. 

The Belgian was handed his first start of the season, taking Gabriel Martinelli’s place following his bright cameo against Aston Villa last weekend.

Martinelli was calling to be dropped due to a lapse in form however, Trossard failed to take advantage of the opportunity he was handed against his former club.

The 29-year-old recorded only 26 touches during the 59 minutes he played at the Emirates, completing only seven passes in an anonymous performance.

Truthfully, Arsenal’s left side looked lacklustre throughout the fixture, with the combination of Jurrien Timber, Rice and Trossard not the most glamorous. 

Arsenal shown why Raheem Sterling had to be signed

There is hope that Rice can return to his favoured number six role when summer signing Mikel Merino is fit, as the Spaniard will significantly bolster Arteta’s left side of midfield.

In the instance of the left side of attack, time suggests that Edu and Arteta were very fortunate to strike a deal with Chelsea to sign Raheem Sterling on deadline day. 

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For the most part of deadline day, it seemed as though the duo were running out of luck in their pursuit of a new forward, with Arsenal lacking options, particularly on the left side.

As seen so far this season, the Gunners are lacking firepower in both Trossard and Martinelli, with the Belgian having a far better impact off the bench.

Signing Sterling might have saved Arsenal’s season if the winger can rediscover his past form, with a huge opportunity there for the Englishman to capitalise on at the Emirates.