Troubles in Arteta's paradise?

In January 2022, Leandro Trossard joined Arsenal from Brighton in a transfer worth approximately 23.5 million euros. At that time, he was considered a considerable reinforcement in North London, and no one can say he didn't live up to the club's expectations. After all, ask the Gunners' fans if you don't believe. Everyone likes Trossard. However, paradoxically, the real question is: Did Arsenal meet Leandro's expectations? And when we say Arsenal - we mean Mikel Arteta.

Based on his goal celebration three days ago, the answer is - no. Like many times before, Arteta subbed Trossard in with the only task of trying to save Arsenal - as he did on numerous occasions - and breaking the deadlock. It took the Belgian only two minutes to find the net, but he did not thank the Spaniard for the trust he put in him. Instead, he clearly expressed his disaffection with the strategist's decisions.

The last piece in the Championship mosaic?

After scoring, Trossard initially didn't want to celebrate in his usual manner. No, he wanted to send the message. And although William Saliba at last convinced him to do his routine, the message remained. As if the 29-year-old was trying to say I deserve more playing time!

Trossard was a regular starter at Brighton. Having arrived at Emirates Stadium, he was undoubtedly aware of the much fiercer competition than in the south of England. And he was ready to work hard and wait for his chance next to Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Martinelli. If Saka is Arsenal's starboy and Havertz perfectly fits Arteta's strategy, Martinelli's merits, which keep him in the starting lineup, could be discussed.

Namely, the Brazilian is nowhere near the form from the 2022/2023 season when he scored 15 goals. Last season, he netted only eight times in 44 appearances in all competitions. On the other hand, Trossard made 34 appearances in the previous season - 18 as a starter and 16 from the bench - scoring 12 goals. He was the third Arsenal's best scorer after Saka (16) and Havertz (13) but with significantly fewer minutes on the pitch. Moreover, the Belgian played 48 minutes per game on average and still managed to net 12 times?!

At first glance, everything functions perfectly at Emirates Stadium. The team opened the season with two victories, Riccardo Calafiori's adaptation goes well, and Jurrien Timber is finally injury-free. But one man is still undeservedly sitting on the bench and is not happy about it.