Exclusive: Key Arsenal player “clearly not very happy” with current role, says expert

Arsenal FC expert Charles Watts says it seems clear that Leandro Trossard is not very happy with his current role as an impact sub under Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.

Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for the latest edition of his Daily Briefing column, Watts provided his insight into Arsenal’s impressive 2-0 win away to Aston Villa at the weekend, pointing out that Trossard seemed to show his frustration after coming off the bench to score the opening goal.

The Belgium international has had a superb 2024, providing a lot of important goals for Arsenal and always making an impact when he’s on the pitch, even if Arteta hasn’t always found room for him in his starting XI.

It remains to be seen if Trossard may now have worked his way back into the team after his impact at Villa Park, but Watts thinks it’s clear he’s not entirely happy with his situation at the Emirates Stadium right now.

Trossard frustration clear, says Arsenal expert

“Trossard was superb after his introduction as well. He’s such a ruthless finisher and he showed that again when he scored with his first touch.

“He’s clearly not very happy at starting games on the bench. You could see there was a fair bit of pent up frustration during his celebration and that is understandable.

“He’s an excellent player and is undoubtedly Arsenal’s best finisher. I do think he will start against Brighton this weekend, but you can see why Arteta likes to bring him off the bench because his record as a substitute is so good.”

Arsenal fans will no doubt hope Trossard can continue to get chances to make an impact, as he really is one of the team’s most effective attacking players at times, even if he’s not as flashy as younger flair players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.