Pundit Martin Keown has praised Arsenal speedster Leandro Trossard, saying that he is ‘worth every penny’ after another impactful performance at the Emirates.
The Gunners overturned a 2-2 scoreline by scoring two crucial goals deep into extra time. Trossard was everywhere on the field, being at the end of crosses and popping up at places to create a goalscoring chance.
Busy bee Trossard key to Arsenal’s comeback
The versatile player scored the second goal just before halftime after he slotted home a perfect pass from Gabriel Martinelli. As the game was inching closer to a draw, the Belgian was at the right place at the right time to meet Bukayo Saka’s cross on the left-side of the post.
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His effort hit Wilfred Ndidi’s legs and bundled in to make it advantage Arsenal in the 94th minute. An all-round performance from the 29-year-old helped the North London outfit crawl closer towards Manchester City (level on points) and league leaders Liverpool (trailing by a point) on the points table.
the limbs when Trossard scored the winner >>
enjoy that one gonners! pic.twitter.com/zR0TiOYM2V— azka (@azkafchri) September 28, 2024
This is the Premier League, and there are no easy rides here. Leicester turned out to be a tough opponent to track, but Mikel Arteta’s men never gave up.
Trossard has particularly been a reliable player in the starting XI, making his third goal contribution in the last two games.
Trossard thriving in Odegaard’s absence
Pundit Keown believes that the former Brighton and Hove Albion player is worth every penny since moving to the club in January 2023. He also applauded Arsenal for scoring from yet another set-piece.
Talking to BBC Sport, the pundit said:
“What a buy Leandro Trossard was! Worth every penny. A perfect day if it finishes like this. Arsenal score from a set-piece – who’d believe it? Arsenal just kept believing. It is a lucky goal and ‘lucky Arsenal’ is a nice tag to have.”
The Belgian ace joined the Gooners for £27 million from the Seagulls last season. Initially he was unable to tie down a regular spot in Arteta’s team, but later on the manager couldn’t resist giving him a chance as Martinelli was injured.
The winger didn’t celebrate after scoring a goal in the 2-0 win over Aston Villa last month with the manager admitted that the player was upset for not getting a spot in the starting XI in that game. He is now giving a selection headache to Arteta with his colossal display, proving his worth in the squad.
Trossard was absolutely stunning last season, scoring 17 goals in 26 appearances. He has maintained his fine form by providing crucial goals for the club this campaign.
Trossard for £25m is one of our best ‘instant impact’ signings.
Since Odegaard has been out, Leo has been so impressive in deeper areas and arriving into the box.
One of our best in the pockets. pic.twitter.com/Li9nhNnINJ
— Ben Mattinson (@Ben_Mattinson_) September 28, 2024
We believe that Martin Odegaard’s absence has been a blessing in disguise for the attacker. Kai Havertz has been pushed to midfield, and Trossard is playing like a false nine. This has given him more room to be involved up front and disturb the opponent’s high defensive line.
Players like him are making sure that Arsenal maintain the tag of being the most prolific PL team from dead-ball situations. The Leicester game was a perfect example of the attackers linking up well and showing a good chemistry between them.
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Arteta will expect a lot more from his team as they are set to face French giants Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League group stage match on Tuesday.
