Leandro Trossard has gone viral after making a cheeky post following his match-winning goal in Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday evening. The result kept the Gunners at the top of the Premier League, reclaiming the spot after briefly losing it to Manchester City, who beat Everton 2-0 earlier in the day.
The win was another sign of how far Mikel Arteta’s side have come in recent years, ending a two-year run without victory at Craven Cottage while right in the thick of a title race. And while the left-wing position has long been a point of uncertainty, Trossard made a strong case for himself by arriving at the back post to score the game’s only goal.
However, the manner of that goal has once again raised questions about the Gunners’ overreliance on set-pieces to break down deep-defending opponents. Bukayo Saka’s corner was nodded on by Gabriel before the Belgian winger forced home the winner - though Trossard certainly won’t mind, as his playful social media post, which might upset Liverpool boss Arne Slot, made clear.
Leandro Trossard's Post Goes Viral After Fulham 0-1 Arsenal
Leandro Trossard vs Fulham
Arsenal, as a club, are often criticised by rival supporters for being something of a team of social media merchants. They’re regularly accused of doing things “for the camera,” with the line between their online personas and real-life behaviour becoming increasingly blurred.
Trossard’s post on Saturday night is likely to be viewed as another example of that - the kind that irritates rival fans while only making him more adored by those of an Emirates Stadium persuasion. He wrote (see the full post below):
"Everyone loves a good set-piece, right?"
Arsenal supporters were quick to speculate that Trossard’s remark was aimed at Liverpool manager Arne Slot, who has previously made snide comments about how frequently the Gunners score from set-pieces.
The Dutchman, speaking ahead of his side’s grudge match against fierce rivals Manchester United this weekend, in response to his side's apparent struggles, said (watch below):
"If you would tell me that we've conceded 40% of our goals from set pieces and the number one in the league has scored 60% of their goals from set pieces and we're still one point behind that team, I would probably think, 'it's not even that bad!'"
"Arne Slot won't like this," one X user replied to Trossard, who netted Arsenal’s seventh goal from a set-piece this season - meaning an impressive 67 per cent of their goals have come that way. Rival fans may scoff, but it’s that win-by-any-means-necessary mentality that could finally see the Gunners lift their first league title in over 20 years come May.
Their defensive strength will also play a major role in any potential glory. Arteta’s side haven’t faced a single shot on target in their last two league matches - a feat last achieved during the triumphant 2003/04 Invincibles campaign - and have conceded only one goal from open play after 11 games.