Alan Shearer explained that he had forgotten about an Arsenal star before their win over Leeds United after the Gunners' transfer activity this summer
Alan Shearer working as a pundit
Alan Shearer's confession that he forgot about Leandro Trossard's existence says a lot about Arsenal's new squad depth
(Image: James Gill - Danehouse, Getty Images)
Alan Shearer confessed that Arsenal's fresh attacking options had caused him to completely forget about Leandro Trossard. The Gunners have been active in the transfer market this summer, leading Shearer to overlook other players in Mikel Arteta's squad.
Viktor Gyokeres arrived from Sporting CP as Arsenal's new number nine, offering a solution to what has been a troublesome position in recent campaigns. The signing of Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, alongside the earlier capture of Noni Madueke from Chelsea, provides Arteta with additional choices on both wings.
Arteta may be forced to rely on his squad depth earlier than expected after Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka picked up injuries in the club's 5-0 win over Leeds United. However, Shearer confessed that the focus on Arsenal's new recruits caused him to forget about Trossard, who replaced Saka at the Emirates Stadium.
Despite Saka and Odegaard picking up injuries, Shearer lauded Arsenal's squad depth. "Yeah but then I was thinking, 'Goodness me, look at the players that they've brought on.' They brought Trossard on, I forgot about him," Shearer admitted on the Rest is Football podcast.
"Then you've got Eze to come in, Martinelli. I mean, the numbers they've got are really incredible now, the squad that Arsenal have got. So they have to go on and they have to win something pretty big this season, but they've made a good start.
"It wasn't a great performance at United but they got the right result. Much, much better [against Leeds]. So that will give them good belief going forward as well."
Trossard recently penned improved contract terms at Arsenal, with his deal still running until 2027, following reported interest from other clubs. The Belgian winger has proved to be a crucial player for Arteta's squad since his £27million switch from Brighton in January 2023, providing 51 goal contributions in 125 appearances for the Gunners.
Leandro Trossard playing for Arsenal
Leandro Trossard replaced Bukayo Saka in the 53rd minute against Leeds
Arteta may choose to depend on Trossard in their upcoming clash at Liverpool on Sunday after injuries to two of his key players. Odegaard picked up a shoulder issue in the first half, while Trossard replaced Saka soon after the break due to a hamstring problem.
It was initially reported that the pair were not set for an extended period on the sidelines. It has since emerged that Saka is expected to be out for around four weeks, meaning he will miss the clash with Liverpool and England's upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
While it remains to be seen whether Odegaard will be fit enough for Arsenal's next game at Anfield, the double injury blow presents Trossard with an opportunity to earn more minutes for Arsenal. The 30-year-old was brought on shortly after half-time during the win over Leeds. Ethan Nwaneri had already replaced Odegaard, while youngster Max Dowman also shone on his Premier League bow.
On the left flank, Madueke got the nod ahead of Gabriel Martinelli, who remained on the bench. Meanwhile, Eze was unveiled as an Arsenal signing after his £67.5million move from Palace, taking their total spending for the summer past the £260m mark.
Bukayo Saka goes down injured
Bukayo Saka is set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury against Leeds
Arsenal showcased their attacking prowess by scoring five against newly-promoted Leeds. It turned out to be a landmark match for Gyokeres, who got off the mark for the club with a stunning individual goal before converting a spot-kick late on, and Shearer explained how Arsenal's wide men can help the striker reach his full potential.
"Saka is brilliant at going past players, so you don't want to stop that. Madueke is, Eze is," he said. "You don't want to stop what they're good at. But you've also got to sometimes cross the ball.
"Putting balls into [Gyokeres'] feet, putting balls first time, like his goal. It was 90 seconds after half-time and I'm absolutely certain Arteta said something to them about playing the first-time ball over rather than taking a touch."
Podcast presenter Gary Lineker backed Shearer's assessment regarding Arsenal's wingers delivering more crosses, though he noted it would be a change of approach from the Gunners. "You've got intelligent footballers like Saka and Eze, who will probably play on the left-hand side. They're going to know what he wants and they can deliver that," Lineker said.
"And there's a sense, perhaps of last season, because they didn't have that in the middle, that's probably why they didn't cross, but they'll work that out."
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