Mikel Arteta could now start 'magician' for Arsenal at Spurs this weekend, he's absolutely raring to go - opinion

09/13/2024 02:15 PM

Arsenal haven’t got long to wait until they return to Premier League action in probably the most high-stakes fixture in their calendar.

Although the Gunners will have some important games against their title and top-four rivals, fans will be especially eager to win the North London derby.

Arsenal will be heading to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, with both sets of fans desperate to sabotage the other club’s early-season efforts and claim bragging rights.

Obviously there are also points at stake, and both the Gunners and Spurs are already in a position where they cannot get any more bad results.

Arsenal need to be as close to perfect as they can if they are to dethrone a Manchester City side that has won their opening three games.

Meanwhile, Spurs could’ve easily gained nine points from their opening three games, but they’ve come away with just four points due to issues at the front and back.

To make things worse for Arsenal, they have quite a few personnel issues, so Mikel Arteta has some thinking to do in terms of his starting XI.

The likelihood is that a player described as a “magician” could come in for a relatively rare start for the Gunners in the crunch clash at N17.

Leandro Trossard likely to start for Arsenal at Tottenham

The player in question is Leandro Trossard, whose versatility and drive are likely to see him come into the Arsenal starting XI.

GiveMeSport reported earlier this week that Trossard has expressed his frustrations at missing out on a spot in the starting line-up for the Gunners’ first two games of the season.

The Belgium international is reportedly desperate to have a more prominent role for Arsenal, and Arteta is said to have been impressed by his attitude.

In addition, Trossard’s versatility could see him line up in a variety of positions in which the Gunners are currently short of numbers.

Martin Odegaard is very likely to miss out due to injury, and Trossard can cover at No. 10. He can also lead the line if Gabriel Jesus isn’t fit and Kai Havertz is moved to No. 10.

The 29-year-old could also replace Gabriel Martinelli on the left side of attack.

READ MORE: Arsenal and Chelsea eyeing one of the most highly-rated young midfielders in English football

Arsenal snubbed Saudi interest in Trossard

Trossard, who was signed by Arsenal for £27million in January 2023, is adored by Arteta, who described him as a "magician" towards the end of last season (Goal.com).

Indeed, the Gunners rejected bids for Trossard from the Saudi Professional League late on in the transfer window, showing how important he is to Arteta.

Now, with Arsenal short of numbers for the North London derby, it looks as though the decision to keep Trossard at N5 could save them at a time of need.