Leandro Trossard sets unique Arsenal record with goal that breaks Chelsea hearts

21 October 2023 , 19:09

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Leandro Trossard sets unique Arsenal record with goal that breaks Chelsea hearts

Leandro Trossard became the first Arsenal player ever to score his first three goals for the club as a substitute as he bagged a late equaliser at Chelsea.

The Gunners were second best for much of the game at Stamford Bridge as they looked set to fall to a first defeat of the season in west London. Declan Rice gave them a lifeline before Trossard, who was introduced with 12 minutes to go, swooped in to equalise.

The Belgian finished smartly at the back post in front of the Arsenal fans as he proved to be an impact man once again. Since joining from Brighton in January Trossard had scored twice previously - against Brentford last term and Everton last month - both occasions he came off the bench.

He faces a tough task pushing ahead of the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, who are Mikel Arteta's first choice pair on the wings. Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah have shared the role centrally, although Trossard has played as a false 9.

The Belgian will be hoping his heroics at the end in the capital can help him push for move involvement as Arsenal gear up for two games in the space of a week - beginning on Tuesday night when they host Sevilla in the Champions League.

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Rice began the fightback as he seized on a Robert Sanchez error to finish smartly, but the summer signing confessed their opening 45 minutes was the worst they'd produced this term.

Leandro Trossard's goal secured a point at Stamford Bridge

He told Sky Sports: "First half from us the worst we've played this season in terms of sloppiness. But massive credit to Chelsea, the manager said they had been unlucky this season and they made it difficult for us. To show heart and character, it is not easy when 2-0 down. It's about having that fight and mindset, pushing the team on and making sure everyone has belief. It was a good comeback.

"Chelsea made it compact, but us on the ball was not good enough - my first pass I gave it away. It gave Chelsea encouragement but in the second half, we showed what we're about - that hunger and never-say-die attitude. We showed great heart and character."

Samuel Meade