Arsenal`s season continues to be a captivating blend of ambition and adversity. As the Gunners prepare for a challenging encounter against Newcastle United, manager Mikel Arteta faces a familiar foe: a mounting injury list in his attacking ranks. With key figures like Noni Madueke sidelined for months due to a knee injury, and Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus also occupying the treatment room, the depth of the squad is being tested. However, a glimmer of hope emerges with the potential return of Martin Odegaard and the confirmed fitness of Bukayo Saka, offering a much-needed boost.
This period of attrition has forced Arteta to shuffle his pack, leading to questions about the form and utility of some of his available options. At the forefront of this debate is Leandro Trossard, whose recent performance has sparked a discussion about Arsenal’s optimal attacking setup for the demanding trip to St. James’ Park.
The Trossard Conundrum: A Question of Impact
Leandro Trossard`s season has been, to put it mildly, inconsistent. Despite flashes of brilliance, including a goal and an assist in the Champions League against Athletic Club, his overall contribution has been somewhat peripheral. Clocking just 166 minutes across five games, with two Premier League fixtures seeing him as an unused substitute, Trossard has struggled to cement a regular starting spot.
The spotlight, however, intensified during Arsenal`s recent 1-1 draw against Manchester City, where Trossard was handed a rare start. It was an opportunity to make a definitive statement, yet the Belgian`s performance left much to be desired. Journalist Simon Collings from The Standard candidly described his efforts as “frustrating,” awarding him a paltry 5/10 rating. The statistics painted an even starker picture: Trossard reportedly lost possession 14 times, failed to create a single chance, and couldn`t complete any of his three attempted crosses, according to Sofascore. In a high-stakes match against a title rival, such numbers underscore a clear lack of impactful attacking output.
Given this less-than-stellar outing, the whispers about Trossard being “ruthlessly dropped” for the Newcastle game are growing louder. And, in a classic Arteta move, the solution might just lie in an exciting, youthful alternative.
Enter Ethan Nwaneri: Arsenal`s Youthful Ace
With Madueke unavailable and other attacking options either injured or better suited to central roles (Eberechi Eze, for instance, impressed in midfield recently), Mikel Arteta could be poised to unleash one of Arsenal`s most highly-touted academy products: 18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri. Despite his four senior appearances this season largely coming from central positions, Nwaneri possesses the versatility and technical prowess to operate effectively on the wing.
Arteta has previously demonstrated a willingness to deploy left-footed wingers on the left flank, a tactical flexibility Nwaneri could seamlessly integrate into, mirroring the role Madueke has sometimes filled. This adaptability could be crucial against a Newcastle side renowned for its tactical discipline and propensity to deploy a “low block” – a deep defensive setup designed to stifle attacking flair, as noted by analyst Adrian Clarke.
Nwaneri`s ability to thrive in tight spaces and pick incisive passes could be the key to unlocking such a resolute defense. Described as a “special talent” by Statman Dave, his burgeoning statistics highlight a player who doesn`t just promise potential but already delivers significant output.
| Stat | Per 90 Mins | Season Total |
|---|---|---|
| Minutes | 38.8 | 1436 |
| Goals and Assists | 0.7 | 11 |
| Key Passes | 1.3 | 20 |
| Dribbles Completed | 2.9 | 47 |
| Tackles and Interceptions | 1.5 | 24 |
| Expected Goal Involvements (xGI) | 0.29 | 4.67 |
| Stats from Sofascore | ||
These numbers underscore Nwaneri`s impressive offensive contributions and his surprisingly robust defensive work rate for an attacking player. His knack for carrying the ball effectively in congested areas, as exemplified by a notable goal for England`s U21s, directly addresses the challenge posed by deep-sitting defenses. Where space is at a premium, a player capable of retaining possession and creating avenues for attack through quick footwork and vision becomes invaluable.
Arteta`s Imminent Decision and the Road Ahead
The tactical tightrope Arteta walks is unenviable. On one side, the experience of Leandro Trossard, who, despite his recent dip, offers a known quantity. On the other, the electrifying potential of Ethan Nwaneri, a player Arteta clearly trusts and rates highly. Handing Nwaneri a starting berth against a formidable opponent like Newcastle would not only be a testament to the manager`s belief in youth but also a strategic gamble aimed at exploiting specific defensive weaknesses.
As Arsenal navigates its injury woes and maintains its pursuit of silverware, the decisions made in moments like these become defining. Will Arteta opt for caution, or will he make the bold choice, unleashing his “special talent” to turn a potential tactical stalemate into a decisive victory? The footballing world waits with bated breath to see if the young Nwaneri will be given the stage to shine against the Magpies, potentially writing a new chapter in Arsenal`s season.
