Leandro Trossard and a convincing argument to take Gabriel Martinelli's place in the Arsenal team

20 seconds passed between Leandro Trossard's shot into the net and the moment when the Belgian raised his hands for his famous shot on goal.

The substitute had scored with his first touch, just two minutes after replacing the ineffective Gabriel Martinelli, and his slow walk and steely gaze before finally celebrating said a lot.

Trossard came on in typical style, putting Arsenal ahead in a thrilling and tactical encounter against Aston Villa before Thomas Partey's strike sealed a 2-0 victory. It was Trossard's 14th league goal for Arsenal and his sixth as a substitute, giving him a higher strike rate as a substitute than any other player to score 10 or more goals for the club (43 percent).

The look in Trossard's eyes while he wasn't celebrating was neither a surprise nor a concern for coach Mikel Arteta. “When you're not selected, there are certain ways to react. Leo is upset but he channels that to show how good he is on the pitch. Not to be upset and then come in and (put down work) because he didn't play.

“That's a great quality. If you put him in the starting line-up, he does exactly the same. That's a great message and a great example for the rest of the team and myself.”

Trossard's celebration was mean and capricious until Saliba intervened (Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

From the moment he stepped onto the pitch, it was clear that the 29-year-old was carrying no baggage. His movements without the ball got him into position, but he then reacted quickly enough to adjust his stance after the ball bounced off Kai Havertz and Morgan Rogers and finished cleanly.

“Everyone wants to be in the starting line-up in games,” said Trossard. “It depends on the player how he reacts. I always want to make a difference, whether I'm on the bench or in the starting line-up. I've done my job and there's not much more I can do.”

“Some games have different celebrations and there are emotions involved. I heard (William) Saliba in my ear the whole time saying 'celebrate', so I did it at the end. It's always nice when your teammates are happy when you score a goal. We really needed it at that point – it gave us the boost we needed to win.”

Trossard's ability to create big moments for Arsenal coincided with a dip in form from Martinelli. Last season, this led to Trossard taking the Brazilian striker's starting spot in the final stages, scoring four goals in seven appearances, three of which were firsts, and his importance grew week by week.

With Martinelli scoring 15 league goals in the 2022/23 season, the left wing position became one of the few positions where Arteta would face a real dilemma this season.

Martinelli responded well in pre-season and his goal against Manchester United was an example of how he looked more powerful and versatile, but he was unable to carry that momentum into his first two league games.

Arteta said “Gabi showed a good performance”, as he was selected for what Arsenal “expected” against Villa, who beat Arsenal twice last season. But even with opportunities to break through their defence, his final ball was poor, with crosses behind or over Bukayo Saka in the first half and moments of indecision in the second.

Trossard's goal wasn't his only impressive contribution, however. He played a key role in Partey's goal, using his run perfectly to beat Villa's offside trap before his ball flew through the six-yard box where Saka set up the finish. Clever touches on the first touch created chances to extend the lead further, but his teammates were unable to capitalise.

Despite the tension that reigned in the 10 minutes before he came on, when David Raya parried an Ollie Watkins shot and Ezri Konsa fired a shot just wide, Trossard changed the mood. While the energy of the home fans grew, the silence as Arsenal ventured forward in the closing stages was reminiscent of their dominant away spells towards the end of last season.

Martinelli had problems against Villa (ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

“That's something you have to develop,” Trossard said of the mentality you have when you come off the bench. “I know that the competition within the team pushes everyone to reach the next level and I'm really excited to have an impact and help the team.

“There is competition in every position and that is what a club like Arsenal needs.”

While Martinelli has shown promise in pre-season, particularly in the USA, Trossard also showed signs of life in the 4-1 win over Leverkusen earlier this month. His former club Brighton visit the Emirates next and, given their strong start under new head coach Fabian Hurzeler, it will be crucial for Arsenal to build on the positive momentum.

None of their 2-0 victories have been accompanied by a completely fluid performance, but they have six points. Given Arsenal's next two away games are at Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, a win at Villa Park was much needed. It extended their impressive away record in 2024, nine wins from ten games in the league with eight goals conceded, and should give them confidence they can maintain that in September.

Martinelli will still have his moments to shine, but as has been the case so often since his arrival 18 months ago, Arsenal have Trossard to thank for the three points at Villa Park. In that time he has scored 19 goals and provided 12 assists – does he deserve to start more often? Mikel, it's your turn.

(Top photo: Jacques Feeney/Offside via Getty Images)