Despite securing three points at the Emirates yesterday, it wasn’t all plain sailing for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Arsenal faithful will have been very happy to see their side take a quick 2-0 lead, but perhaps were a little concerned that it wasn’t added to.
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And as the game reached the latter stages, it did always feel as if Wolves could edge their way back into the game with a goal.
That being said, Mikel Arteta seemed to be the first to spot some worrying signs.
And although Arsenal were cruising at 2-0 up in the 72nd minute, Arteta was furious with some lackadaisical play by Leandro Trossard.
The winger tried a piece of skill when in possession, something that ultimately lost the ball, and Arteta was audibly annoyed on the touchline.
Arteta ran and gestured towards Trossard, letting him know exactly how he felt – demanding that he chased the ball.
Of course, only moments later Oleksandr Zinchenko endured a lapse moment which allowed Wolves to score their goal.
Arteta realised the danger for his Arsenal side yesterday, and was trying to prevent the standards from falling.
Mikel Arteta fuming with Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard for lapse moment yesterday
That being said, Leandro Trossard did have a strong Arsenal performance overall.
Arteta did actually praise Trossard’s work rate for Arsenal yesterday after the game, saying he’s really happy with him.
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Since signing for £26m in January, Trossard has provided Arsenal with a ton of versatility.
Moreover, the experience he brings to this Arsenal side shouldn’t be understated as well.
At 28-years-old the Belgian is something of an elder statesman in this young Arsenal team, and was the joint oldest starter alongside David Raya.
Trossard’s signing did slightly buck the Arsenal trend of late, a recruitment policy focused at young players with potential.
However, the signing proved an incredibly smart one, a player full of end product who was ready to contribute immediately.
And although Arteta was frustrated with Trossard in one moment yesterday, he was evidently very grateful for the qualities he brings to Arsenal.