Mikel Arteta has explained why Leandro Trossard performed a subdued celebration after scoring for Arsenal against Aston Villa.
Arteta brought the Belgian forward on in the 65th minute of the match at Villa Park, as he replaced Gabriel Martinelli on the left flank. The move proved to be inspired as just two minutes later, Trossard broke the deadlock with a quality finish.
The 29-year-old initially refused to celebrate his strike and it was only after repeated requests from team-mate William Saliba that he performed his trademark ‘Goggles’ routine.
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After the match, manager Mikel Arteta explained why Trossard performed a muted celebration after scoring the opening goal – as he revealed the Belgian was unhappy over not getting picked in the starting line-up over Brazil international Martinelli.
Speaking to reporters, Arteta said: “When you don’t get picked, there are certain ways to react. Leo is upset, but he is upset and shows on the pitch how good he is – not upset and comes in and reacts badly. That is a huge quality. Then, when you put him in the starting line-up, he does exactly the same thing.
“That is a big message and a big example for the rest of the team and myself. We have two great left wingers and Reiss Nelson can also play in that position so it is always a challenge but you know you are going to get that quality.”
