Belgian forward Leandro Trossard has warned his Arsenal teammates that they could be to blame if the team does not clinch the Premier League title this season.
Recent statistics have supported Trossard’s claim, indicating that the Gunners perform significantly better when he starts in the lineup compared to when he is on the bench.
Manchester City now leads Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table and has a game in hand. During the last international break, the Gunners held an eight-point lead over City, who were in second place. However, a series of four matches without a win shifted the momentum in City’s favor.
The winless streak included draws against Liverpool, West Ham, and bottom club Southampton, and a 4-1 loss to City.
Since signing Trossard from Brighton in January, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has seen the forward make a substantial impact, with eight assists in 16 appearances.
Trossard has started in eight of the 16 Premier League matches since his arrival. Arsenal has emerged victorious in all eight of those games.
Conversely, in the eight matches where Trossard did not start, the North London club managed to win just once, dropping points in the remaining seven games (four draws and three defeats). Arsenal’s last victory in a match without Trossard in the starting lineup came in his debut as a substitute against Manchester United on January 22.
Given these statistics, Trossard’s frustration with his teammates is understandable if Arsenal fails to secure their first league title in 19 years.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the 28-year-old said, “We knew [City] would come close, and it’s all about us, I think. Obviously, it’s not in our hands anymore, but before, it was just looking at ourselves.”
Trossard’s presence in the starting lineup appears to be crucial for Arsenal’s title aspirations. As the season reaches its climax, Arteta and his team will need to ensure they make the most of Trossard’s contributions if they hope to bring the Premier League trophy back to North London.
Follow London Insider on Google News