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Gabriel Martinelli fatigue? Leandro Trossard is the perfect foil for Arsenal
By Adam Schultz
The Brazilian winger could do with a rest after some sub-par performances, and Arsenal have the perfect replacement in Leandro Trossard waiting in the wings.
Arsenal face their biggest test of the season on Wednesday amid their worst run of form for the year. Winless in three consecutive games in all competitions, the Gunners are showing signs of fatigue.
With the season just over halfway done with Manchester City up next in what many call a ‘title decider’, the Gunners and Mikel Arteta have some decisions to make.
One being Gabriel Martinelli.
Gabriel Martinelli fatigue? Leandro Trossard is the perfect foil for Arsenal
The Brazilian has been underwhelming by his lofty standards and has been subbed off in his last four games. In his previous two outings, Martinelli has been withdrawn in the 59th and 62nd minutes in favour of Leandro Trossard.
This brings me to what can be described as a big talking point…
It’s time to give Trossard a starting berth against City.
Granit Xhaka on Leandro Trossard: "Straight away when he came you could see his quality. He has showed that he can change a game. I am so happy for him that he scored and hopefully there is more of that." pic.twitter.com/rZSCMkdr1m
— Gunners (@Gunnersc0m) February 13, 2023
Now, this isn’t a shot at Martinelli, as we all know his supreme quality, but this is why Arsenal bought Trossard… right?
To rotate the squad and give a breather to Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, and Martin Odegaard.
Some have seen this as a dig at the Brazilian, but as we know, it takes a whole squad to win the Premier League title, not just the 11 starters.
Martinelli has been superb this season and was duly rewarded with a new contract. Still, his performances have dropped below his incredibly high standards, thus creating a chance for Trossard to make his case for a starting role.
Competition for places is something that Arsenal and their managers have not had at their disposal over the last decade or so.
That has now changed.
If Emile Smith Rowe was fit, his name would also be under consideration. Trossard has shown his ability in the Arsenal set-up, and his quality in the final third could be just the tonic to give the Gunners the edge over City.
It’s not permanent by any means, but Trossard deserves to make his first Arsenal start on Wednesday against Pep Guardiola’s side.