Arsenal fans wanted to see Leandro Trossard handed a start in their clash with Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday (February 4). Some fear that the Gunners may lose just their second league match of the season due to the Belgian being selected on the bench.
Trossard arrived at the Emirates Stadium from Brighton & Hove Albion in January for £27 million. He has already bedded into Mikel Arteta’s side easily, featuring in two games and impressing. He joined the Premier League leaders with a record of seven goals and three assists in 17 appearances for the Seagulls.
However, he does not start for Arsenal against a struggling Everton side who will be desperate to get their campaign back on track under new manager Sean Dyche. The Gunners can expect a raucous crowd at Goodison.
Arteta has decided to start Aaron Ramsdale in goal, with the English shot-stopper keeping 10 clean sheets so far this term. Meanwhile, Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Takehiro Tomiyasu are in defense.
The familiar midfield trio of Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka, and Martin Odegaard, who have all been standout performers for the Gunners this campaign all start. Partey’s selection has allayed fears over his fitness after he suffered a knock in the side’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup.
Arteta has selected Eddie Nketiah, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka are in attack. The trio were instrumental in the north Londoners’ brilliant 3-2 win over Manchester United last time out in the league.
A strong lineup looks to pour more misery on Everton. However, Arsenal fans were hoping to see Trossard make his first start for the club in the Premier League.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to his omission for the encounter with the Toffees:
Jorginho will have to make Arsenal debut from the bench
Jorginho joined Arsenal from Chelsea on transfer deadline day for £10 million. The Gunners have bolstered their midfield with the signing of the experienced Italian midfielder. He featured 25 times across competitions for the Blues, scoring three goals.
Some expected the former Napoli man to make his debut in the starting lineup as Partey’s availability was uncertain. Arteta hinted that the Ghanian may not be fit enough for the Everton game (via football.london):
“Let’s see, that one is still a doubt. Let’s see how he comes in today and if he’s able to train or not. We will make a decision on that.
However, Partey has made the team and starts, with Jorginho selected on the bench. The Italian’s first appearance in Gunners colors will likely come as a substitute.
