Leandro Trossard knows exactly what he and his teammates need to do in order to win the Premier League.
22:30, 12 Apr 2026
Leandro Trossard of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium on April 11, 2026 in London, England
View 2 Images
Leandro Trossard during Arsenal's defeat to Bournemouth(Image: Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Leandro Trossard claims now is not the time for excuses. But he also notes Arsenal are feeling leggy following their chastening home defeat to Bournemouth.
The Cherries blew the Premier League title race wide open with victory at the Emirates as they extended their unbeaten run to 12 matches under impressive tactician Andoni Iraola. Bournemouth had 22 days to prepare for the contest following their 2-2 draw with Manchester United on March 20.
Contrastingly, Arsenal were forced to stay an extra night in Lisbon following their Champions League win at Sporting on Tuesday due to Portuguese airspace restrictions after their FA Cup defeat at Southampton.
In Trossard's mind, conditioning played a big role in the result, regardless of how poor the Gunners were. He said: "It just wasn’t good enough and everyone knows that. We are the first ones who have to look in the mirror now and keep going.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
"We have played so many more games than them but we are used to that and we cannot use it as an excuse, we were still prepared but we just did not perform."
If Sporting smell blood on Wednesday, they could plunge Arsenal into a full-blown crisis ahead of their crunch trip to Manchester City next Sunday.
Trossard prefers to look at things differently, adding: "We have to be confident because we are here at this moment and we have come so far but this is a tough result and we have to take it in. We have a big game in midweek and we have to keep going."
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
£44
Sky
Get the deal here
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
This season, in comparison to the past three campaigns where Arsenal have recorded second-place finishes, has looked like the year where the stars would align for Mikel Arteta.
Sporting director Andrea Berta oversaw a record summer of spending and crafted arguably the most complete and well-rounded squad in world football.
Arsenal have continued to suffer high-profile injuries, fitness issues derailed their title bid last term, but this time around they've possessed the quality and depth to maintain their challenge - until now.
Mikel Arteta apologised to fans after Arsenal lost to Bournemouth
View 2 Images
Mikel Arteta apologised to fans after Arsenal lost to Bournemouth(Image: Pedro Porru/MB Media/Getty Images)
The absence of captain Martin Odegaard, star winger Bukayo Saka and dependable right-back Jurrien Timber are impacting the team drastically and the side has slowly run out of steam due to changes in personnel.
On the pitch, there is a lack of creativity and familiarity but somehow, they have to find a way of navigating the storm. Striker Viktor Gyokeres claimed the Emirates pitch "was a bit dry" when quizzed on his side's second-half openings.
The Swede explained: “They’re [Bournemouth] good on the counter-attacks. They have good players and made some good combinations. But we need to do better. We had some chances in the end.
"The pitch was a bit dry, which didn’t help. I’m very confident. We don’t need to get stuck too much on what happened today. We need to look forward and be positive."
It's the kind of remark that will be used as a stick to beat Arsenal with if they fall short between now and the end of the season. Supporters have grown tired of the anticipation that has built in north London amid a gruelling 22-year wait for Premier League title glory.
Article continues below
Excuses, no matter how big or small, will count for precious little if they are not crowned champions.
Welcome to 'Seeing Red' - our new Arsenal podcast
We've launched a new Arsenal podcast 'Seeing Red' with chief football writer John Cross and Arsenal reporter Tom Canton.
Each week, they will dive deep into the biggest topics as they follow Mikel Arteta's side every step of the way - and will also discuss nostalgic flashbacks before each fixture.
It's a great time to be an Arsenal fan, with the Gunners flying high under Arteta as they look to win silverware this season.
The North Londoners are going strong in the Premier League and Champions League - and they're also in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
We'll provide insight and reaction - and have fun along the way - as Arsenal target the biggest trophies this season.
No stone will be left unturned. VAR controversy? Poor performances? Unsung hero who deserves praise? Fixture chaos? We'll have it all covered.
Click here to view our YouTube channel
Click here to download our podcasts