Gabriel Martinelli is undeniably talented, but his performance has significantly declined over the past year. Meanwhile, his Belgian teammate Leandro Trossard continues to impress and make a difference whenever called upon.
Just two minutes after coming off the bench against Aston Villa on Saturday, Trossard scored the crucial opening goal for Arsenal, finding the net with a sharp first-time finish after Emiliano Martinez failed to handle Bukayo Saka's cut-back.
This moment showcased Trossard's trademark quality. Despite being labeled a 'super-sub' with his trademark superhero celebration, Trossard stepped up when his team needed him most. Arsenal had struggled for much of the game at Villa Park, and without some poor finishing from Ollie Watkins and heroic saves from David Raya, the Gunners could have been trailing.
Trossard's goal was a game-changer like Scratch Card Casino Game, yet he was reluctant to celebrate, a sentiment that seemed to stem from frustration over being overlooked for a starting spot in favor of Martinelli. His displeasure was evident and, perhaps, justified.
The 'Little Magician'
There's a misconception that Trossard's strengths are best utilized as an impact substitute rather than a starter. This is simply not true. Whether playing on the left wing or through the center, Trossard consistently delivers.
When Martinelli’s form faltered towards the end of last season, Mikel Arteta began favoring Trossard on the left wing. Martinelli’s contributions dwindled—he failed to record a goal or assist in Arsenal’s last ten Premier League matches or 1x games. In contrast, Trossard played a crucial role in Arsenal's title chase, scoring four goals in five games between April 20 and May 12. His impressive form even caught the attention of Hollywood star Anne Hathaway, who professed her admiration for the player Arteta has affectionately called a "little magician."
