Mikel Arteta now has a huge decision to make after an issue with Leandro Trossard was exposed as Arsenal lost to Aston Villa.
Leandro Trossard was named in the starting line-up as Arsenal welcomed Aston Villa to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Mikel Arteta handed the Belgian attacker just his twelfth Premier League start of the season so far against the Midlands outfit.
Trossard had earned this opportunity with his recent performances off the bench for the North London club. He came on off the bench against Bayern Munich and Brighton, in each of his last two matches, to make a goalscoring impact.
However, he failed to produce the standard of performance that was required when given the nod against Aston Villa. He missed a gilt-edged chance from close range to put the Gunners ahead in the first half, and failed to make a great impact on the game beyond that.
Leandro Trossard trend is a real problem for Arsenal
Trossard has developed a reputation as a super sub this season. He had proven to be an incredibly effective option off the bench, and is a useful option for Arteta to be able to call upon when he needs to change a game.
This is not the first time that the 29-year-old has failed to step up when handed a Premier League start, though. Looking back over the season, a clear pattern emerges of Trossard struggling to deliver when named in the starting XI.
Early on in the campaign, he was hooked at half-time against both Fulham and Manchester City. He also struggled badly in the loss against West Ham. The majority of his eye-catching displays have come from the bench.
Mikel Arteta must recognise Leandro Trossard flaws
Trossard lacks the pace of Gabriel Martinelli when played on the flank, and cannot match the physicality offered by Kai Havertz when he is deployed through the middle. Over the course of a full ninety minutes, these flaws in his game are all too often highlighted. Trossard has been described as the best finisher in the Arsenal squad, but that does fully make up for the weaknesses in his game.
Arsenal are now set to offer Trossard a new contract, but there ought to be serious consideration given to the question of whether or not the £27 million former Brighton man is capable of taking the Gunners to the next level.
Arteta needs players in his squad who he can rely upon to shine when asked to start matches. Without that security, the Spanish coach cannot trust the strength in depth of his squad, which will always prove a problem when it comes to competing for the biggest prizes in the game. Arteta needs to re-think the decision to extend Trossard’s stay at the Emirates Stadium.