Arteta Faces Decision: Should Arsenal Star Be Benched After Poor Performance?
Arsenal’s head coach, Mikel Arteta, faces a crucial decision regarding his lineup for the upcoming Premier League match against Fulham. The question arises: should Leandro Trossard be benched after a series of underwhelming performances? Trossard’s recent form has raised concerns, particularly following a disappointing outing with the Belgian national team.
Trossard’s Struggles on International Duty
During Belgium’s World Cup qualifier, the national team managed only a 0–0 draw against North Macedonia. Trossard, who started the match, struggled significantly. His performance included:
- 34 touches of the ball
- Four attempted shots with none hitting the target
- Loss of possession 11 times
- Zero successful duels won out of five
- No completed dribbles or accurate crosses
Considering Trossard’s ability to produce exceptional moments, this display was notably below par. His inconsistency has become increasingly concerning.
From Impact Player to Unsteady Starter
Trossard has previously been a potent impact player, capable of turning games around as a substitute. However, his recent struggles have emerged when he is given a starting role. He has not contributed any goals or assists in his last three appearances for Arsenal. With Martin Zubimendi returning to the squad, Arteta may need to reassess his attacking options as well.
Martinelli’s Case for the Starting XI
In light of his recent performances, many fans believe this is the ideal time to reinstate Gabriel Martinelli in the starting lineup. Martinelli has proven his worth off the bench, making significant contributions such as:
- Scoring against Olympiacos
- Assisting against Athletic Club
- Netting a dramatic equaliser against Manchester City
Despite this productive form, Martinelli was surprisingly benched in the previous match against West Ham. His directness, speed, and finishing ability could provide the much-needed spark that Arsenal lacks on the left flank.
Arteta’s Decision
Ultimately, it appears evident that Arteta may opt to replace Trossard with Martinelli against Fulham. With the club’s ambitions to perform at the highest level, fielding a more effective and confident player like Martinelli seems like the logical choice.
