Mikel Arteta has admitted Leandro Trossard has not been happy after being left out of Arsenal’s two starting XIs at the beginning of the 2024/25 Premier League season.
The Belgium international was one of the Gunners’ most influential players during the second half of last term, finishing the campaign with 12 goals and one assist in England’s top flight as his side finished second behind champions Manchester City.
He has been brought on from the bench against both Wolves and Aston Villa and produced a game-changing cameo at Villa Park on Saturday, opening the scoring only a few moments after his introduction before Thomas Partey wrapped up all three points with a strike from the edge of the area.
His celebration was somewhat muted, having seen Gabriel Martinelli start ahead of him in the early days of 2024/25, and Arteta instead focused on Trossard’s positive impact when he could have sulked at his prior omissions.
After the fixture, the Spaniard told reporters: “When you don’t get picked, there are certain ways to react. Leo is upset, but he is upset and shows on the pitch how good he is – not upset and comes in and reacts badly. That is a huge quality. Then, when you put him in the starting lineup, he does exactly the same thing.
“That is a big message and a big example for the rest of the team and myself. We have two great left wingers and Reiss Nelson can also play in that position so it is always a challenge but you know you are going to get that quality.”
Trossard himself admitted he is keen to start more regularly but added the competition for places means he knows he has to take his chances when they come.
He told NBC Sports: “I think everyone wants to start games and play obviously, and then it’s up to the player how they respond.
“I always want to make an impact off the bench or as a starter so I think I’ve done my job today to help the team.
“Yeah, there’s not a lot more I can do in that aspect, so I just want to help the team if it’s off of the bench or a starter.
“I’m ready for the next coming games.”
Martinelli is yet to register a goal contribution in the first two matches of the season and Trossard will hope his strike can help him start for Arsenal next weekend, when former club Brighton & Hove Albion visit the Emirates Stadium.