Leandro Trossard assisted on each goal in Arsenal's 3-0 victory over Fulham on Sunday, earning praise from Mikel Arteta for his "intelligence." Arsenal is currently leading the Premier League.
Thanks to Trossard's most energetic performance since joining Brighton in January, Arteta's team reclaimed a five-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City.
The Belgian, 28, has proven to be a vital acquisition to the Gunners as they pursue their first championship since 2004.
Even though Trossard only had one goal for Arsenal, Arteta was impressed by his creativity and intelligent play, both of which were on the whole show at Craven Cottage.
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The Belgian's pinpoint corner found the head of Gabriel for Arsenal's first goal. Five minutes later, Gabriel Martinelli nodded in from the Belgian's cross before Martin Odegaard took another one of his pinpoint deliveries and scored shortly before halftime.
"He had two scoring chances and three assists. He really impressed me, in my opinion," Arteta remarked.
"On top of that, he suffered an injury three days ago that may have required a week or more of recovery time, but he was eager to return early, and the medical professionals performed much fantastic work".
"That has a significant impact on the team. Trossard came through for us today and made a fantastic contribution".
Football intelligence", I say. Arteta added that "Tossard is extremely intelligent because he can immediately determine what we need and want". "His execution of it was excellent".
It was a massive response from the north Londoners after City's 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace on Saturday had reduced Arsenal's advantage to two points.
After losing to City in February, they have won five straight league games, and with 11 games remaining, they can clinch an extremely surprising championship.
Fourteen minutes from the end, Gabriel Jesus made his first appearance since leaving the bench after having knee surgery for an injury sustained while playing for Brazil at the World Cup in November, capping off a good day for Arteta.
The boost was significant—today's opening action. We were wondering if the game today was the proper one. Arteta added that the Trossard told him recently, "I'm still lacking something," Arteta recalled.
"When I gazed into his eyes yesterday, he responded, "I'm ready. "Fine," I replied. Therefore, we had the chance to include him at that point.
"The first action will give him a significant boost. He appears unhindered and prepared, creating those two significant chances immediately. It's wonderful to see him again".