Leandro Trossard should lead the line vs Man City after promising cameo

Arsenal ended their pre-season campaign with a penalty shoot-out win over Monaco in the Emirates Cup.

Manager Mikel Arteta did not play his best starting line-up against the Ligue 1 outfit. The likes of Martin Odegaard, Leandro Trossard and Ben White were only introduced after the hour mark.

Bukayo Saka was an unused substitute as he was feeling unwell.

The Gunners could not beat Monaco in normal time. After a 1-1 draw, the winner was decided through a penalty shoot-out. Arsenal came on top after Aaron Ramsdale denied Takumi Minamino from the spot.

There were a number of positives to carry forward from the friendly. One of those was the form of Trossard, who was lively during his 28-minute cameo, creating three key passes for his teammates.

The Belgian also missed one big chance to find the back of the net while delivering two crosses.

The 28-year-old was recently exceptional against Barcelona with a brace in the second half, and he continued the good pre-season form versus Monaco, though he could not find the winner.

With Gabriel Jesus undergoing a knee surgery, the number nine role is up for grabs. Eddie Nketiah is the natural replacement up front, but we believe Trossard should start ahead of the club graduate.

The former Brighton star has developed a terrific understanding with Gabriel Martinelli on the left flank. The duo have shown that they could easily interchange positions while playing together.

Nketiah scored Arsenal’s only goal yesterday with a trademark run at the far post but in our view, Trossard could be a better fit up front against Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday.

He is obviously more mobile in the final third. His impressive dribbling ability and quick feet could pose a better threat to the City backline over a more traditional striker at the Wembley Stadium.

Stats from Sofascore.com