Trossard
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Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard couldn’t resist taking a jab at Gary Neville after firing home the decisive goal in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage.
The Belgian forward’s late strike at the back post not only ended Arsenal’s recent winless run at the venue but also ensured Mikel Arteta’s side would stay top of the Premier League table, no matter what happens when Liverpool meet Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.
The Gunners’ dominance from dead-ball situations has become one of their most powerful weapons in recent seasons. Arteta’s side have turned set-pieces into an art form, equally dangerous in attack and disciplined in defence, a balance that has made them arguably the most efficient side in Europe in that department.
But that very success has also drawn its fair share of criticism. Some pundits accused Arsenal last season of leaning too heavily on rehearsed routines and tactical precision at the expense of open play, especially as Liverpool surged to the Premier League crown.
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Among the skeptics was Manchester United legend and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, who acknowledged Arsenal’s injury issues at the time but suggested they had become overly reliant on set-pieces during their title chase.
When the north London side dropped crucial points against West Ham United, missing the chance to close the gap on Arne Slot’s Liverpool, Neville questioned their approach. “Questions will start to be asked, because it was that type of season where you think it was up for grabs. Arne Slot has come in as the new manager, [Jurgen] Klopp’s left,” Neville said on Sky Sports.
Everyone loves a good set-piece, right? 😉 pic.twitter.com/1NLPSfjuy7
— Leandro Trossard (@LTrossard) October 18, 2025
“I certainly felt there would be a drop-off at Liverpool, but Slot has been such a cool customer from day one. He’s in complete control.
“Arsenal have become quite rigid, they’ve become quite turgid at times to watch. This obsession with set-pieces, which was overtaking their whole game, exacerbated by this presence of their set-piece coach on the touchline which puts more focus on set-pieces. It’s like… no. The freedom’s gone a little bit from them.
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“I know that they’ve lost Saka, and I know that they’ve lost Jesus, and I know they’ve lost Havertz, which are big blows. I mean, let’s be clear, that is a big problem for Arsenal… But I still think you’ve got to do that job yesterday against West Ham at home.”
Ultimately, Neville’s concerns appeared to hold weight as the Premier League trophy ended up back at Anfield. Yet Arsenal’s players clearly haven’t forgotten the jibes.
After sealing victory for the Gunners against Marco Silva’s Fulham, Trossard took to social media with a playful message seemingly aimed at his critics, writing: “Everyone loves a good set-piece, right? [winking emoji].”
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