Jamie Carragher believes one Arsenal player has dramatically reshaped Mikel Arteta’s plans after producing a run of performances that have elevated him from squad depth to a near automatic starter.
Arsenal’s dominant 4–1 victory over Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium was a statement performance, both in terms of result and quality. While several players impressed on the night, Carragher singled out Leandro Trossard as one of the key figures behind Arsenal’s attacking fluency.
The Belgian forward delivered a complete performance against Unai Emery’s side, combining intelligent movement, sharp finishing and creative link-up play from the left flank. Trossard was directly involved in multiple goals and consistently unsettled Aston Villa’s defensive shape, forcing them deeper and creating space for teammates.
Speaking on Sky Sports after the match, Carragher highlighted how far Trossard has come since his arrival in North London.
“What a player he’s been for them,” Carragher said.
“He was brought in almost as a squad player a couple of years ago, but he’s forced himself into the team now, and he’s almost first choice on that left side.”
When Arsenal signed Trossard from Brighton for £27 million in January 2023, the move was widely viewed as a smart but low-risk addition. At 28 years old, he was expected to provide reliable cover across the forward line, offer experience in tight games, and contribute goals off the bench when needed.
Few, however, predicted the extent of his influence under Arteta.
Rather than fading into a rotational role, Trossard has steadily grown in importance, adapting seamlessly to Arsenal’s positional play and high-tempo attacking system. His ability to operate across multiple positions — as a winger, false nine, or inside forward — has made him invaluable to Arteta, particularly in matches where tactical flexibility is required.
Carragher also pointed to Trossard’s consistency in front of goal as a defining trait.
“He always pops up with goals,” the pundit added. “Fantastic addition from Brighton.”
That reliability has been especially evident throughout 2025. By the end of the calendar year, no Arsenal player had scored more goals or registered more assists in the Premier League than Trossard — a remarkable achievement given the quality of attacking talent at Arteta’s disposal.
The Belgian’s form has been strong enough to defy expectations following Arsenal’s summer recruitment. With new attacking options arriving, many assumed Trossard would slip down the pecking order. Instead, he has raised his level, forcing Arteta to adjust his plans and keep him central to the team’s attacking structure.
Beyond the numbers, Trossard’s composure, work rate and football intelligence have stood out. He rarely wastes possession, presses intelligently without the ball, and consistently makes decisive contributions in big moments — qualities that have earned him the trust of both his manager and teammates.
As Arsenal continue to push for major honours, Trossard’s transformation has become one of the defining stories of Arteta’s tenure. What began as a practical January signing has evolved into one of the club’s most effective pieces of transfer business in recent years.
If Arsenal end the season with silverware, Trossard’s impact will be impossible to overlook — and Jamie Carragher’s assessment will feel increasingly accurate. The Belgian is no longer just a squad player; he is now one of the driving forces behind Arsenal’s title ambitions.
