How Trossard, Sterling & Nwaneri Performed as Makeshift Arsenal Attack vs Leicester

Arsenal defeated Leicester City 2-0 on Saturday afternoon, taking advantage of Liverpool’s recent 2-2 draw with Everton. However, supporters have expressed their disapproval of their improvised three-man attacking lineup of Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling, and Ethan Nwaneri.

Given their lengthy history of injury problems, which have gotten worse in the wake of the most recent information regarding Kai Havertz, the north Londoners have been obliged to start with a diminished starting lineup for the majority of the 2024–25 Premier League season.

After his team lost 2-0 to Newcastle United in the second leg of their League Cup semi-final, they were sent to a training camp in Dubai, where Havertz reportedly had a hamstring injury. Additionally, Gabriel Martinelli is not active.

Most significantly, Arteta has been plagued by problems throughout 2024–2025 due to the long-term injury to Bukayo Saka, who is considered to be among the best wingers in international football. The London-born star’s most recent game was a 5-1 victory against Crystal Palace in mid-December.

The Performance of Arsenal’s Makeshift Front Three
Nwaneri was struck twice by the woodwork and enjoyed 62 touches.

But without the three stated above, who can be trusted? Their starting front line featured a mix of youth and experience as Arteta attempted to find a harmonious balance between the two against Ruud van Nistelrooy’s relegation-bound Leicester City.

Saka, who is six years his senior and has been a revelation in north London this season, has been sidelined, but Nwaneri has done his best to fill his shoes. Tricky, fearless, and eager to change things, the unpolished 17-year-old undoubtedly has a bright future.

Nwaneri was the team’s top player against the Foxes. Despite his young age, he scored twice and managed to collect an assist in a mature display on the right side. He passed the eye test and did quite well statistically.

London-born Nwaneri was involved in much of Arsenal’s forward-thinking play, which is not surprising given that he was successful in 88% (6/7) of his dribbling attempts and actively involved in the game, as seen by his 62 touches.

Sterling, the only player to play for four different English teams in the Champions League, was caught in the 69th minute after flattering to deceive on the left-hand side. He was replaced by Mikel Merino, a central midfielder.

He won just one of his six duels, had zero shots in just under 70 minutes, and was accurate in 79% (19/24) of his passes. Furthermore, he lost possession thirteen times and generally found it difficult to make an impact.

The worst part about Sterling’s substitution is that Mikel Merino, who took his place, scored both of his team’s goals in a dream midfielder-turned-poacher performance. It might have been his last appearance in an Arsenal uniform if not for their extensive list of ailments.

After Merino was introduced as a temporary talisman, Trossard, a former winger who is now considered to be among the most uncoordinated players in football, started down the middle but moved to the right.

Even though he scored a goal, his overall play fell short of what many fans had come to anticipate from the adaptable 41-cap, 10-goal Belgium international. He only had 27 ball touches and produced the one significant opportunity.

In the immediate aftermath of Arsenal’s 2-0 triumph over a struggling Leicester, fans were vocal on X (formerly Twitter) when discussing whether a front three of Sterling, Trossard and Nwaneri – a combination used in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Girona earlier this season – could be used going forward.

“It appears that Trossard had his first encounter with his teammates this morning.” Sterling, the seasoned England international, “looks finished,” according to one fan. “The most dangerous player by far is Nwaneri.” Trossard is not a CF, and Sterling appears to be finished.

39 minutes Not a single chance has been generated by Arsenal. Odegaard has a terrible appearance. Sterling horrible. Trossard is awful. Only spark is Nwaneri who looks the best player on the pitch but isn’t getting the ball enough.

If I see Trossard or Sterling offside one more time…

— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) February 15, 2025

The two senior players in their front line, Sterling and Trossard, were blamed by another Arsenal supporter for his team’s propensity to be caught offside. Sterling has now been sent off around three times, and Arsenal is always caught offside as they try to advance. And Trossard. It’s simply so bad.

Those of the Emirates Stadium persuasion were not pleased by Trossard or Sterling, who are both thirty years old. However, Nwaneri, who is considered to be among the greatest teens in the English top flight at the moment, was, as one fan waxed poetic about the teenage sensation.

Our top attacker in a title race is 17-year-old Nwaneri. Odegaard and this generational skill should never be spoken together.

One admirer maintained that he has some of the best close dribbling in the Premier League, which is one of the most noteworthy features of his well-rounded skill set. “Nwaneri’s close dribbling is among the best in the Premier League,” they declared.

“Compared to other attacking players we currently have, Nwaneri is far superior. Since they are Saka, he must be the focus of our attacks. As they made a parallel between the youngster and his countryman, another fan said.

In what could be one of their most difficult games of the season, the title contenders will next host rival capital club West Ham United in the Premier League before traveling to the City Ground to play Nottingham Forest, who are now just below the Gunners in the standings. It’s still unclear who Arteta chooses.

Arsenal’s Upcoming Five Games

Time and Date (GMT)

The opposition (H/A)

Rivalry

22/02/25 at 15:00

United West Ham (H)

The Premier League

26/02/25 / 19:30

Forest of Nottingham (A)

The Premier League

09/03/25 at 16:30

United Manchester (A)