In Focus: Trossard staking a claim for Arsenal starting berth

Leandro Trossard is starting to make a big impact for Arsenal after rescuing a valuable point for the Gunners at Chelsea on Saturday.

The Belgian came off the bench to net his second Premier League goal in just five appearances this term, three of which have come as a substitute.

Ahead of Arsenal's Champions League trip to Sevilla tonight, we take a look at whether Trossard's form warrants more game time.

Picking up the pieces

Competition for places in Arsenal's attack is rife but Mikel Arteta cannot ignore the impact of Trossard.

The ex-Brighton star — who plays predominantly on the left of the front three — must displace Gabriel Martinelli and the hectic schedule in the winter months will give him an opportunity to do so.

The 28-year-old has already made several impressive cameos this term and his impact at Stamford Bridge is another indication that he can thrive at the top level.

Speaking after the Chelsea draw, Arteta said: "First of all, he [Trossard] is very good and he's got this mentality to always be willing to help the team.

"He had an injury that he wasn't fit enough to play the last few games, then he played Manchester City and he had to come off and he worked really hard during the international break to be able to be fit again.

"Those things, it's like with Martinelli, changes the momentum of his season and I could see that he was ready to come in."

European stage

Over the course of a long season, rotation is likely to be important for Arsenal.

The Champions League, particularly in the group stage, could be where Trossard seizes an opportunity to shine.

He has started Arsenal's last two games in the competition, scoring and getting an assist in a 4-0 win over PSV Eindhoven before putting in a more subdued display in their shock 2-1 defeat at Lens.

Trossard has created the joint-most chances (four) in the Gunners' squad, as well as attempting (five) and completing (three) more crosses than any of his team-mates in the Champions League this term.

With a key game against Sevilla this evening, the 28-cap international could undoubtedly make another vital contribution.

Switch it up

A change of formation could be a consideration for Arteta, if Trossard continues to perform.

That is the opinion of ex-Arsenal full-back Kieran Gibbs, who has suggested switching to a 4-2-3-1 system to facilitate the Genk academy graduate.

He said: "It's a tough one with not starting Trossard, although I think he has been unreal since he signed. And he is kind of like the secret weapon at the moment for Arsenal.

"Martinelli is one of our most dangerous players — but Trossard has been knocking on the door for a while now.

"I also wouldn't mind seeing him start in behind [Gabriel] Jesus instead of one of the midfielders, especially with the way that Arsenal, more often than not, control games. I like him in those tight areas."

Arsenal certainly have the attacking options to make changes during games, as was the case against Chelsea.

Trossard will be hoping to catch the eye once again against Sevilla — and give Arteta more selection headaches.