Leandro Trossard believes having to fight for his place in the Arsenal team has made him a better player.
The Belgian has proved an excellent signing for the Gunners since joining them from Brighton in January 2023 for £27million.
Trossard scored 17 goals last season and he opened account for this term on Saturday by scoring the opener in Arsenal’s 2-0 win at Aston Villa.
The 29-year-old, however, had to do so from the bench after Gabriel Martinelli was picked to start ahead of him.
But asked if competition for his place is making him a better player, Trossard said: “Definitely, you can see it on the pitch too.
“I am feeling great, I have showed that over the last months and it helps the team too and pushes everyone. In every position there is competition and that’s what a club like Arsenal needs.
“I always want to make an impact and its nice to help the team again. I am very pleased with the goal and with the win.
“I heard [William] Saliba in my ear the whole time saying: ‘Do your celebration’ so that’s why I did it at the end.
“I’s always nice if your team-mates are happy for you to score a goal as well. we really needed it at that time and it gave us a boost to go and win.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admitted that Trossard was “upset” about being on the bench, but praised him for responding by scoring with his very first touch.
“It’s something you need to develop as well,” said Trossard, when asked about dealing with being benched.
“I know the competition in the team pushes everyone to go onto the next level and I am very pleased to have an impact and help the team and it is a great win.
“Everyone wants to start games and play games, obviously. It’s up to the player how they respond.
“I always want to make an impact if it is off the bench or a starter. I have done my job today and there’s not much more I can do. I just want to help the team off the bench or as a starter and I am ready for the next coming games.”
