Mikel Arteta insisted that Leandro Trossard deserved the chance to start his first Premier League game for Arsenal after dropping Gabriel Martinelli for the clash with Aston Villa.
The 28-year-old, who had come off the bench in the previous four league matches since his January move from Brighton, started against Unai Emery's men in the West Midlands. Trossard has made an impact in each of his five appearances for the club, scoring in the Gunners' 1-1 draw against Brentford last weekend.
In contrast, Martinelli has failed to grab a goal or an assist in his last six league games. The Brazilian had started every league match for the Gunners this season, and despite starting the season impressively, his output has dropped off of late.
