Arsenal have secured maximum points from their opening two Premier League games, but they have not been fully convincing in attack.
After a strong first half which saw Arsenal take a 2-0 lead against Nottingham Forest, there was a stark drop-off going forward and the game finished 2-1. Against Crystal Palace, it took a penalty to eventually secure a 1-0 victory despite being dominant again.
One of the stars of pre-season was attacker Leandro Trossard, and many fans have questioned what more he can do to break into the starting lineup. The 28-year-old has quickly become a popular player at the Emirates since his arrival in January, but he was an unused substitute in the win at Selhurst Park, despite impressing off the bench against Forest.
Arsenal take on Fulham at the Emirates on Saturday, and whilst there may not be wholesale changes to the attack, there is a case to be made that Trossard should feature in some capacity. Even if he is not in the starting lineup, the Belgium international deserves at least a chance off the bench.
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Having Trossard on the pitch can help solve a problem Arsenal have encountered in both their games so far.
Both Forest and Palace defended deep, knowing the quality Arsenal have in attack, and despite having plenty of possession in the final third, the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz failed to get good shots off at Selhurst Park.
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Trossard is one of the most direct players in the squad when it comes to driving at goal and taking long shots, and when Arsenal dominate the ball and essentially camp on the edge of the opposition box, he could be particularly useful at turning possession into big chances.
Mikel Arteta described him as “really impressive” following a stunning display against Saturday’s opponents last season, where he notched up three assists in the first half, and having his creative vision and flair could help Arsenal become more fluid in attack against Fulham.
It is unclear who could make way if he is to start, but after being unlucky not to feature against Palace as a result of Takehiro Tomiyasu’s red card, meaning the team required more defensive substitutes, he should now be given a chance to force his way into the side again.