Mikel Arteta hails Leandro Trossard impact and Gabriel Jesus return as Arsenal beat Fulham | Football News

Mikel Arteta hailed “football intelligence” Leandro Trossard after claiming a hat-trick assist in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Fulham and said Gabriel Jesus should earn a starting place after returning from injury.

Trossard produced a man-of-the-match performance at Craven Cottage, setting up goals for Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard as Arsenal regained their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

The game also featured the return of Jesus, who appeared as a late substitute to make his first Arsenal appearance since November after recovering from a knee injury, but the Brazilian has returned to fierce competition for places.

Trossard played as a false nine against Fulham and his starring performance was even more impressive as he was forced off injured in the 3-2 win over Bournemouth just a week ago.

Asked about Trossard’s appearance at the press conference, Arteta said: “If we talk about composure and finding the right color when it looks dull in the box and many players rush through, he is the opposite.

“He got three assists and scored two. I think that’s amazing.

“Not only that, he had an injury three days ago that could have lasted a week, or another 10 days, but he really wanted to come back early and the doctors and the medical staff did a great job to get him.

“It makes a big difference in the team. We needed him today and his contribution was great.”

The Belgian has made an impressive impact since his £27m arrival from Brighton, adapting seamlessly to his new surroundings.

“This is the intelligence of football,” added Arteta. “He’s really good at knowing straight away what he wants, what he needs. He’s done it well.”

‘Rejoicing to have Jesus back’

Arteta is also happy to be able to call Jesus again.

“Big push,” he added. “The first step today. We don’t know if it’s the right game. He said to me a few days ago, ‘I’m still missing something.’

“Yesterday I looked into his eyes and he said, ‘I’m ready’. I said, ‘OK!’

“So we had the chance to throw him. It was the first step to give him a big boost. He looked free, looked ready and immediately created those two big chances. It’s great to have him back.”

He added: “He has to earn a place like in other teams. We have alternatives who can play in different positions and we also have different goals to fill the relationship with the chemistry of the players and what is asked of them.

“It’s a big problem to have, believe me.”

Arteta can be seen talking to Jesus after the final whistle.

“He is very happy,” said the Arsenal boss. “He has made so much in the last few months and all the staff have spent many hours together trying to meet all his needs.

“He wants more and more, he wants to come back. To see him there with a smile on his face is joy, I’m very happy for him.”

Analysis: Trossard showed his worth

Nick Wright from Sky Sports:

There was no more than 10 seconds in the second half at Craven Cottage which typified the appearance of Leandro Trossard. It starts with him sprinting back to make a tackle and prevent a counter, and ends with him driving forward with the ball at his feet.

The Belgian started the game as Arsenal’s false nine, but the truth is he was everywhere, his intensity and energy in and out of possession setting the tone for an excellent team performance.

He was involved in more or less every Arsenal attack before withdrawing in the 78th minute and contributed to each of the three goals directly, registering a hat-trick of assists and deservedly receiving the player of the match award.

In just 25 minutes, he scored more goals than any other Premier League player in the two months since his Arsenal debut. In total, he has produced five assists since arriving from Brighton and scored one goal himself, against Brentford.

His impact is exactly what Arsenal wanted when they paid £27m to sign him in January and it’s easy to forget, in that context, that he wasn’t first choice. Now, it feels like a blessing that Chelsea beat him to Mykhailo Mudryk.

This game is supposed to be about the returning Gabriel Jesus, back in the squad for the first time since November after a knee injury. However, it’s a reminder that Trossard won’t give up easily. The 28-year-old shows his worth.