Following Arsenal’s hard-fought 2-0 victory over Aston Villa in the Premier League, forward Leandro Trossard has stirred controversy with his outspoken comments about his current role at the club. Despite scoring a crucial goal in the match, Trossard expressed deep dissatisfaction with being consistently benched since the season began, directing criticism towards both manager Mikel Arteta and a teammate he feels he should be starting ahead of.
In his post-match interview at Villa Park, Trossard didn’t hold back his frustration. “I feel disgusted with the situation,” he said, visibly upset. “I know I shouldn’t speak ill of my colleague, but this is a competition for the fittest. I can’t keep coming off the bench when I know that with my current form, I’m better than him. I want to start games, to be a key player in this team, not just a backup.”
Trossard’s comments reflect his growing impatience with his role at Arsenal, where he believes his talents are being underutilized. The Belgian forward, who joined the Gunners from Brighton in January, played a significant role in Arsenal’s strong finish last season, contributing vital goals and assists. However, despite his impressive form, he has found himself relegated to the bench in Arsenal’s opening matches of the new season.
The frustration came to a head after he scored Arsenal’s opening goal against Aston Villa, breaking the deadlock in a tense match. Trossard chose not to celebrate his goal, a decision he later explained as a direct message to Arteta.
“I didn’t celebrate because I wanted to send a message to the manager,” Trossard explained. “I’ve worked hard, I’ve proven myself, but it feels like it’s not being acknowledged. I want to play regularly or, if not, I’ll need to find somewhere else to play. I’m at a point in my career where I need to be on the pitch consistently, and if that’s not going to happen here, we need to have a serious conversation.”
Trossard’s public dissatisfaction is likely to create tension within the Arsenal squad, especially as the team looks to build momentum early in the season. His remarks put Arteta in a difficult position, as he must balance squad harmony with tactical decisions.
Arteta, praised for his man-management and maintaining squad unity, now faces a crucial decision. Trossard’s comments hint at deeper issues within the squad beyond mere tactical choices. How Arteta responds will be vital not only for Trossard’s future at the club but also for the overall morale of the team.
With Arsenal starting the season with back-to-back wins and aiming for a serious title challenge, internal disputes could disrupt their early momentum and harm their title hopes. Trossard’s comments also suggest he might seek a move if his situation doesn’t improve, especially with the transfer window still open.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on how Arteta handles this challenge. Whether he grants Trossard a starting role or risks losing a valuable player, the outcome could significantly impact Arsenal’s season.
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