When news broke that Arsenal had completed the signing of Leandro Trossard for £21m + £6m in add ons, many fans were ecstatic. The stinging pain of losing out on Shakhtar’s star prospect Mykhailo Mudryk was still fresh, but this response from the club lessened the hurt.
The move was swift, decisive, and seemed like a pragmatic and intelligent pivot. Sure, Trossard wasn’t quite the marquee, statement signing Mudryk stood to be, but there was a lot to be excited about.
As I wrote about shortly after the announcement, he checked significant boxes for Arsenal, including:
- Good on the wings – both wings – and even capable centrally to provide depth across Arsenal’s front three
- As a player, he likes to tuck in to half spaces as a winger — not the same as Saka but not totally unlike him or Gabi
- Has proven he can create and score within the Premier League
- His Premier League success comes in a possession-based side
- His fee is moderate and allow Arsenal to invest further this window or dedicate serious funds to the summer if they choose
Despite what I felt was a very intelligent, high-potential signing from the club, not everyone seemed as convinced. Many worried about Trossard’s age, his fallout with Brighton manager De Zerbi, and in general, I believe, the fact that he felt like a step down. Whether those fans would admit their dislike was rooted in belief this wasn’t a flashy move, I’m not as sure, but comment sections under journalist’s news was filled with unsatisfied Gooners.
Flash forward to Sunday, just one session into Trossard’s time in the red and white and 48 hours max.
Martinelli had a tough day through 80 minutes. I think people criticizing him are a little disrespectful the Wan-Bissaka who presents a compelling defensive matchup for Arsenal’s electric winger. Wan-Bissaka possess the athleticism and speed that other defenders don’t, even if he is rather unrefined with it. But those two aspects, plus those spindly legs allow him to keep up with Gabi and challenge him in ways other defenders probably cannot.
Still, we have come to expect more from Martinelli and I think he expects more from himself as well.
Having said that, Arteta made the big call and brought on Arsenal’s newly signed wing threat. Sure, people were calling from Trossard to get a chance, but it wouldn’t have been unrealistic to see Arteta turn to someone who has actually been with this team for more than 3 days and created for them from the bench — Emile Smith Rowe. Instead, Arteta threw Leandro out there and the whole thing paid off.
In one, ten minute stint, Trossard demonstrated each of the perks listed up about, except that his cost will allow Arsenal to spend elsewhere (but it will).
- Good on the wings – both wings – and even capable centrally to provide depth across Arsenal’s front three
- As a player, he likes to tuck in to half spaces as a winger — not the same as Saka but not totally unlike him or Gabi
- Has proven he can create and score within the Premier League
- His Premier League success comes in a possession-based side
He was excellent down the left wing. On the game-winner, he tucks into the half space, picks up the ball, runs at the defense which allows Zinchenko to overlap him wide and slot the ball across the box. He came, he created, he contributed.
He was signed to provide depth and change games. He’s done that in his first ten minutes. The result? 2 additional points to Arsenal’s tally.
If your argument was that he was signed to win Arsenal a title, I’d argue, but I’ll bit — who says those two points haven’t just done that?
An incredible start for the 28 year old attacker and plenty of signs given that should offer Arsenal fans a lot of excitement.
Gunner Thoughts 