Trossard opened the scoring, and Arsenal beat Tottenham 4-1 in the derby.
Trossard opened the scoring and assisted Eberechi Eze in Arsenal's 4-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur; he played 78 minutes, and Arsenal are unbeaten in the 32 games in which he has scored.
Arsenal beat Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 in the North London Derby, with Leandro Trossard both opening the scoring and assisting Eberechi Eze. Although Eberechi Eze scored a hat-trick, the Belgian international's performance was the most tactically effective highlight for the Gunners this season.
This was arguably Trossard's best game for Arsenal this season: he orchestrated the attack, created an early turning point, and maintained his sharpness until he left the field in the 78th minute.
The opening goal shaped the course of the game.
Trossard's opening goal was a textbook example of skill: a run from the wing into the center, receiving a pass from Mikel Merino, turning and finishing decisively with his left foot. That goal led Gary Neville to compare it to Robert Pires' – not only was it beautiful, but it also decided the game early on.
Tactical role: intelligence in tight spaces
Trossard doesn't rely on speed or strength, but makes a difference through his footballing intelligence and positional awareness. He appears in the right places, exploiting the gaps between the lines to receive the ball, turn his back, and quickly maneuver – something Arsenal needs when facing a tight defensive system.
In the 78 minutes of play, besides scoring the opening goal, Trossard also assisted Eberechi Eze to complete his hat-trick. His precise decision-making allowed Arsenal to maintain their attacking tempo and stifle Tottenham Hotspur's hopes.
The numbers speak for themselves.
- 78 minutes of play
- 1 goal, 1 assist (for Eberechi Eze)
- Arsenal are unbeaten in the 32 matches in which Trossard has scored.
- Performance against big opponents: 6 goals against Liverpool, 4 goals against Chelsea, 4 goals against Tottenham Hotspur
Amidst the competition, Trossard chose to respond on the court.
Last summer, the arrival of Eberechi Eze raised doubts about Trossard's place in the midst of explosive players like Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka. But instead of arguing, he proved his worth with his positional versatility and cool-headed decision-making in the final third of the court.
His goals in big matches and the unbeaten streaks whenever he scored solidified Trossard's image as a strategically intelligent, win-oriented piece of Arsenal's puzzle. That value couldn't be measured solely by speed or physique, but by the timing and quality of his finishing.
Impact beyond the scoreline.
In this North London Derby, Eberechi Eze was the main character with a hat-trick. But Trossard – with the opening goal and an assist – was the one who laid the foundation for the victory. In this crucial period, the composure and experience of the number 19 player are what Arsenal need to maintain their momentum in the Premier League.
In the transfer market, the £27 million fee for Trossard became an example of Arsenal's sound judgment: an asset who proved his worth through consistent and effective contributions in high-pressure matches.
