Mikel Arteta decided to make a change for the trip to Leicester City on Saturday afternoon. Eddie Nketiah had started every single match since the end of the World Cup in the absence of Gabriel Jesus who began a recovery program following knee surgery.
Leandro Trossard started in the number 14’s place up top as Arsenal’s main striker. The Belgian has operated in the role on a number of occasions for Brighton, prior to his switch to the capital, with a varying degree of success.
His goal was ruled out despite a fantastic strike into the top corner that might’ve set up a more comfortable win; we’ll never know I guess. However, he offered something different to Eddie Nketiah and certainly more movement for the likes of Martin Odegaard to try and find.
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football.london spoke to the Arsenal captain after the game and asked how playing with both of Nketiah and Trossard compared. Despite not going into great detail, Martin Odegaard did offer up the idea that he has to adapt to playing with one over the other.
“Two different players, you have to adapt to the qualities of the ones who play but two great players, different but great to play with both of them,” he said. “Leo did a great game, unlucky with the goal there and Eddie also had an impact.”
Mikel Arteta now has a decision to make for the home game against Everton. The game gives the Gunners the chance to go five points clear of their title rivals Manchester City without reply with it being their match in hand.
Either one of Nketiah or Trossard have an argument to start the game. Both have contributed in their stints but the Belgian has form in his favour with his ruled-out goal fresh in Mikel Arteta’s mind.
However, Eddie Nketiah has always been backed by the Arsenal manager to carry the weight of the position and the Spaniard admitted the striker had been carrying a knock these past couple of weeks. Were I a betting man, my money would be on Nketiah to return to the line-up.
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