An analyst suggests that Mikel Arteta fails to recognize Arsenal’s top players and often sidelines them.
Robbie Mustoe, in the wake of Arsenal’s resounding triumph over West Ham, singles out a player whom he feels is often overlooked and potentially undervalued by Mikel Arteta. The commanding 6-0 win at the London Stadium delivered a notable statement, particularly amid the pressure from previous matches and the victorious performances of title contenders Manchester City and Liverpool over the weekend.
Despite initially squandering some opportunities, notably by Leandro Trossard, Arsenal’s vigor surged once they breached the opposition’s defense. Trossard, in particular, garnered acclaim for his exquisite finish for the fourth goal just before halftime, while his deployment as a false nine posed problems for West Ham’s defense.
Speaking on The 2 Robbies podcast, Mustoe expressed his conviction that Trossard, despite his significant contributions, does not receive the acknowledgment he merits. “I’ll go on to say that this weekend’s underappreciated performer is Leandro Trossard. He’s a little gem, in my opinion,” remarked Mustoe. He harked back to Trossard’s impact in the previous season when Arsenal grappled with goal-scoring woes, underscoring the imperative of retaining him in the starting lineup.
However, Mustoe highlighted Arteta’s preference for other players like Gabriel Jesus over Trossard, hinting that the Belgian might find himself relegated to the bench in the subsequent fixture, despite his talent and contributions. Trossard’s standing as Arsenal’s second-highest scorer in the Premier League this season, with 22 goals in 50 appearances across all competitions, appears to have flown under the radar.
Although he has started only 18 league games since joining the club slightly over a year ago, his goal-scoring prowess is commendable. Arteta could contend that he recognizes Trossard’s caliber, particularly given the gamble involved in his acquisition when Arsenal were vying for the title. Trossard’s consistent growth and influence on the team demand recognition.
