Arsenal

Trossard can be the answer to Arsenal’s No.9 problem

Published

10 months ago

November 12, 2023

Arsenal player ratings vs Burnley: Leandro Trossard can be the answer to Gunners’ No.9 problem as unlikely heroes William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko secure bounce-back victory

The diminutive Belgian made it two goals in as many games as he inspired the Gunners to a gritty 3-1 victory over their stubborn visitors

Leandro Trossard was the protagonist as Arsenal moved second in the Premier League courtesy of a gutsy 3-1 win over Burnley on Saturday, repaying Mikel Arteta’s faith with a goal and assist after replacing Eddie Nketiah in his manager’s Premier League XI.

Bukayo Saka went closest in a dominant first period when his strike was tipped onto the woodwork, but the hosts would have to wait until first-half stoppage time to make the breakthrough, as Trossard put his body on the line to bundle the ball home at the back post.

Burnley had threatened on occasion, and Arsenal were stunned early in the second period when Josh Brownhill’s strike deflected in. However, it took Arteta’s side just three minutes to restore the lead when William Saliba rose highest to meet a Trossard corner. Oleksandr Zinchenko then wrapped up the points with 15 minutes to go as he improvised with an exquisite finish on the bounce after the ball had come off the Burnley bar.

The shine was somewhat taken off the victory late on as substitute Fabio Vieira was shown a straight red card for an ugly, high foul on goal-scorer Brownwood.

90minsoccer rates Arsenal’s players from the Emirates Stadium…

Goalkeeper & Defence

David Raya

Made two very important stops in the first half which were ultimately key to the victory. He had no chance with the goal.

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Provided support in attack at every opportunity but was too easily shrugged off in the build-up to Burnley’s goal.

William Saliba

Made a sublime recovery challenge right at the start of the second period and rose majestically to restore the lead.

Gabriel Magalhaes

Not unduly tested but his half-clearance led to the Burnley leveller. Caused a problem from set-pieces.

Oleksandr Zinchenko

Operated as an auxiliary centre-midfielder for the most part. Wonderful, technical finish to wrap up the points.

Midfield

Jorginho

Metronomic without setting the world alight, but that is generally his modus operandi. Took a heavy blow late on.

Declan Rice

The bloke is ubiquitous. Generally a quiet shift defensively, but he still seemed to be mopping up at every single opportunity.

Kai Havertz

Often found himself swarmed by defenders and headed a good chance over from close range. Didn’t do anything wrong, per se, but very much no frills.

Attack

Bukayo Saka

Tormented his full-back at every opportunity and was rewarded with yet another assist, this time nodding the ball across goal for the opener.

Leandro Trossard

Forced to come searching for the ball initially but popped to make a telling contribution, putting his body on the line as he bundled the ball in. His corner was nodded in by Saliba, too.

Gabriel Martinelli

Electric as always but for someone so talented he should perhaps be providing end product on an even more regular basis.

Subs & Manager

Fabio Vieira

Not the desired effect! Shown a straight red card for an ugly, high foul on Brownhill.

Reiss Nelson

Didn’t see much of the ball as the red card two minutes after his introduction changed Arteta’s gameplan.

Eddie Nketiah

Ditto Nelson. Isolated up front as the 10 men were forced to see out the game.

Jakob Kiwior

Brought on late to shore things up.

Mikel Arteta

The decision to start Trossard was richly rewarded, as his side reflected their manager’s passion and bite with a gutsy display to recover from being hauled level and take all three points.