Arsenal fell to a disappointing defeat against West Ham last night, and there were several poor performers. Leandro Trossard started in place of the suspended...
Arsenal fell to a disappointing defeat against West Ham last night, and there were several poor performers.
Leandro Trossard started in place of the suspended Kai Havertz, but was one of the worst players in what was an underwhelming Arsenal display.
Prior to the game, Arsenal Insider suggested that Emile Smith Rowe had the perfect opportunity for a rare start given the absence of Havertz, but he was benched yet again as the Belgian was given the nod.
Smith Rowe eventually replaced Trossard in the 77th minute, and the respective performances of both players showed that Mikel Arteta made the wrong call in his team selection.
Smith Rowe should have started ahead of Trossard vs West Ham
It became abundantly clear by full time that the wrong player started in midfield. Trossard was particularly poor, as he failed to impose himself on the game, with fans heavily critical of his delivery from set pieces.
Trossard was loose on the ball, completing just 76% of his attempted passes, whilst only hitting the target with 25% of his shots.
He failed to complete a single dribble or cross, and was bullied by the physicality within the West Ham midfield before Smith Rowe replaced him.
The Englishman was a rare bright spot in a dismal night for Arsenal, as he immediately brought extra quality on the ball with some deft touches and sleek passes.
Smith Rowe completed 100% of his passes, and was far more impressive than Trossard overall.
Smith Rowe needs more opportunities under Arteta
Arteta missed an opportunity to give more minutes to Smith Rowe following his injury troubles, and his substitution arguably came too late given how poorly Trossard performed.
Trossard has been inconsistent all season, yet is ahead of Smith Rowe in the pecking order whilst Havertz and Fabio Vieira were unavailable.
There is now a strong case to be made that Smith Rowe should move above Trossard when it comes to the midfield hierarchy, and given his promising performance in the West Ham defeat, he certainly deserves more chances to prove himself at the club this season.
The Hale End graduate has been linked with a move away given his lack of minutes, but there would be some disappointment from the Arsenal fanbase if he is sold without being given a fair chance, and Trossard continues his poor form when selected ahead of him going forward this season.
