Mikel Arteta surely knows he must axe one Arsenal star after Nottingham Forest – the numbers don’t lie

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Arsenal got back to winning ways in the Premier League to end their four-game winless streak.

The Gunners derailed Nottingham Forest’s run of form to win 3-0 at the Emirates on what was a memorable day in North London.

Ethan Nwaneri became the second-youngest Premier League goalscorer for Arsenal, joining Bukayo Saka and Thomas Partey on the scoresheet.

Mikel Arteta was delighted with his side’s win over Forest with three points being a must following a dreary patch of form.

• READ MORE: Arsenal player ratings vs Nottingham Forest: Bukayo Saka superb as four players get 9/10

Leandro Trossard should be dropped after Nottingham Forest win

Saka and Martin Odegaard impressed against Forest as the pair combined to show Arteta what his side had been missing.

Before the game Arsenal icon Paul Merson had a lot to say about the Gunners’ attack, calling out the trio of Saka, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus. 

Fans were surprised to see Trossard and Jesus start ahead of the likes of Kai Havertz, with Merson doubtful that the front three could make an impact.

While Saka did contribute to the goals, it was an uneventful showing for the other two in front of goal, despite Nuno Santo admitting that Trossard tormented Forest.

It’s now eight weeks without a goal or an assist in the Premier League for the Belgian, whose place in the Arsenal squad has been pondered in recent months.

Trossard’s minutes per goal in 2024/25 

Arteta was criticised for continually starting Trossard when Odegaard was absent, as there was a point that the 29-year-old was not doing enough in and around the box. 

The numbers reinforce such concerns, as journalist Sam Dean explained following the Gunners’ win over the Tricky Trees. 

When it comes to minutes per goal in all competitions for Arsenal in 2024/25, Trossard’s record makes for painful reading, averaging a goal every 475 minutes.

That translates to a goal just over every five games, telling of the lack of inspiration that Belgium international is bringing to Arteta’s front line at present.

On a more positive note, Trossard’s lacklustre form in attack only emphasises how much young Nwaneri can offer to the club, averaging a goal every 60 minutes this term.

Trossard became loved at the Emirates for his clinical nature when called into action off the bench, which is a tactic Arteta might need to consider to get the best out of the former Brighton ace once more.