November was a explosive time for Leandro Trossard, when he scored at least one goal or assist in every Arsenal game. The Belgian player also leads the team's scoring list for the season.
With 2 goals and 3 assists in the last 4 matches, Trossard has become a mainstay on the left wing, helping Arsenal maintain stability in the Premier League championship race.
Since joining the Emirates 3 years ago, Trossard has made a clear impression. Arsenal's next two matches - hosting Bayern Munich at home and visiting Chelsea - are expected to be full of challenges. And the history of the previous two seasons shows that Trossard always shines when scoring in both of these matches.
Trossard's achievements in big matches are quite impressive, especially for a player who was once seen as a £27 million replacement when Arsenal missed out on Mykhailo Mudryk.
However, Trossard's future in North London is still in question. This past summer, Arsenal considered selling a player with 2 more years of contract, especially when he was over 30 years old.
Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal board have decided to go against the transfer rumors, raising Trossard's salary to reflect his importance in the squad. "For me, it's impossible for him to leave. No way," Arteta said last weekend.
This trust is completely well-founded. Trossard has been Arsenal's top scorer under Arteta since joining the club, thanks to his ability to maintain stable fitness. While other strikers are often injured, Trossard played in all 38 Premier League games last season. Since joining Arsenal, he has only missed 3 matches - 2 due to injury and one match due to suspension after a controversial red card against Man City.
Although Trossard has topped Arsenal's appearances since joining, he has only finished eighth in total minutes played, suggesting Arteta has not always had a preference for him.
Experts and fans have long argued that Trossard is more efficient coming off the bench - a position Arteta often calls a "shootstips". In fact, Trossard's first goal of the season and his assist against Athletic Bilbao came when he was a substitute.
However, in the last 10 matches, Trossard has started 9 matches, including 8 consecutive matches in the Premier League. This promotion is partly due to his stability in position.
In the past season, Arsenal's consecutive injuries in attack forced Trossard to play in many different roles, with more than 1,000 minutes in the striker position.
Earlier this month, Trossard shared that his best position was the left wing, where he has played regularly this season. "At least I have stability in that position now" - the Belgian international said.
After the important victory in the North London derby, Trossard's close relationship with his teammates, along with impressive achievements in big matches, are taking Arsenal closer to the title they are craving.
