Leandro Trossard was heavily linked with an Arsenal exit over the summer but Mikel Arteta says it was never going to happen as he was ‘forbidden’ from leaving.
The Belgian was touted as a possible signing for clubs including Bayern Munich and Besiktas over the always-hectic summer transfer window.
Arsenal strengthened significantly in attacking areas, with Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke coming in and it was thought that Trossard could be the one to make way.
However, the 30-year-old remained in north London and has been an important player for the Gunners this season, already making 14 appearances and scoring four goals.
The former Brighton man started the game and opened the scoring in a comprehensive 4-1 win over Tottenham on Sunday, further proving his worth to his manager.
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Not that Arteta needed any more proof, as the Spaniard says he made it clear in the transfer window that there was no way Trossard should be sold.
‘For me it was forbidden for him to leave. No chance,’ said Arteta of Trossard. ‘I know the player that he is, and surrounded with the players that we have, he’s a player that is going to make a difference for us.
‘It was one of the best games [from Trossard for Arsenal], so aggressive with and without the ball, so effective, he could have scored another one or two goals, and he was involved in so many positive actions.
‘So that’s what we need. As I said, I think individually, the players were excellent today.’
After Trossard scored it was Eze who stole the show with a superb hat-trick, the first scored in a north London derby since 1978.
The England star came close to joining Spurs in the summer before signing for Arsenal and he showed Tottenham exactly what they missed out on.
After the three excellent goals, Arteta praised his player’s work rate and desire to progress, with competition for places fierce at Arsenal.
‘Things happen for a reason. And after the international duty, he had two days off, and after one day he wanted to train,’ said the manager. ‘And he wanted to improve, and he wanted to do extra practice. And he was asking me questions about this and that.
‘When a player has such a talent, and his desire is at that level, then these things happen. And he fully deserves it.
‘I’m so happy for him because it’s the day that he came, he brought something else to the team. It’s a joy, it’s an aura that this team needed, and hopefully it will give him a lot of confidence in him and the team, that at any moment he can win us a game.
‘And that’s the ability that he has, and he certainly needs to fulfil that talent.’
Metro at the Match: Arsenal 4-1 Tottenham
It just had to be Eze
A first north London derby and what a way to announce yourself against the club that almost signed him in the summer. Eberechi Eze was given license to roam and find space, and he repaid that faith with two well-taken finishes.
Trossard continues to go under the radar
The Belgian was kept quiet in the first 30 minutes, but a superbly timed run and finish gave Arsenal the lead and Leandro Trossard his fifth goal contribution in ten games. Arteta will find him hard to drop even as Madueke and Martinelli return to full fitness.
Hincapie impresses in Gabriel’s absence
Given his first league start since joining in the summer, Piero Hincapie proved exactly why Arteta previously described him as a ‘warrior’. The Ecuadorian didn’t have loads to do but threw himself at every ball and challenge when it came hs way.
Full Arsenal player ratings: Raya 7, Timber 7, Saliba 6, Hincapie 7, Calafiori 6, Zubimendi 6, Rice 7, Eze 9, Saka 7, Merino 7, Trossard 6. Subs: Madueke N/A,Nwaneri N/A, Mosquera N/A, Lewis-Skelly N/A.
Danso fails to deliver
Kevin Danso lined up alongside Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero as Frank opted for a back-five against Arsenal, but a nervy display from the Austrian only got worse when he allowed Trossard to ghost in behind him for the opener. No surprise he didn’t re-emerge after the break.
Odobert anonymous
The young Frenchman was given the opportunity in Tottenham’s front three, but struggled to have any impact on the game before making way in the second half. The left side of Spurs’ attack remains one area where Frank is yet to find his preferred man.
Vicario the only positive
Perhaps the only saving grace for Tottenham was that it was only the four goals shipped to their arch rivals. For that, they have Vicario to thank, who, while still unconvincing on the ball, remains a superb shot-stopper, denying Eze and Rice superbly either side of the half.
Full Tottenham player ratings: Vicario 6, Spence 5, Romero 5, Van de Ven 5, Danso 3, Udoig 4, Palhinha 6, Bentancur 5, Kudus 5, Odobert 3, Richarlison 6. Subs: Simons 5, Sarr 5, Kolo Muani 5, Porro N/A, Johnson N/A.
Metro’s Ben Fleming with the ratings live from the Emirates
After scoring three goals which helped fired Arsenal to a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League, Eze told the BBC: ‘That is crazy. Special day man. Special day for me, my family.
‘I don’t think I could’ve ever dreamt of it. This is more special than that. I can only thank God. Special day, man.
‘I probably should’ve scored four to be honest. I’m always trying to score, always trying to take my chances. It’s important to be relentless.
‘We’re focused on ourselves, we’re focused on putting in our work every day. It’s not by chance that we perform like this.’