Unai Emery was gracious in both victory and reflection after watching his side fall to a dominant 4–0 defeat, reserving special praise for Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard, whose outstanding performance and goal proved pivotal in the contest.
Speaking after the final whistle, the former Arsenal manager delivered an honest and respectful assessment, highlighting Trossard’s intelligence, movement, and clinical quality as key factors that shaped the outcome of the match.
The game itself was one-sided from early on, with Arsenal asserting control through sharp passing, high tempo, and relentless pressing. Trossard, deployed in a fluid attacking role, was at the heart of everything positive for the Gunners. His goal, which capped off a superb team move, set the tone for a ruthless display that left Emery’s side chasing shadows for long spells.
After the match, Emery did not shy away from acknowledging the Belgian international’s influence.
“Leandro Trossard was excellent,” Emery said. “Not only because he scored, but because of how he played the game. His understanding of space, his timing, and his calmness in front of goal made a big difference.”
Emery went on to explain how difficult Trossard was to manage tactically, noting that his versatility caused constant problems for the defensive structure.
“He is a very intelligent player,” Emery continued. “You think he will be on the wing, then he comes inside. You think he will drop, then he attacks the box. When a player understands the game at that level, it is very hard to stop him.”
Trossard’s goal came midway through the first half, following a sweeping Arsenal move that sliced through the opposition defence. Arriving unmarked in the penalty area, he finished with precision, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. It was a moment that summed up his performance: sharp, decisive, and perfectly timed.
Beyond the goal, Emery was particularly impressed with Trossard’s work rate and discipline, qualities he believes separate good players from top-level performers.
“What I like most about him is his mentality,” Emery said. “He works for the team, he presses, he defends, and when the opportunity comes, he is ready to be decisive. That is the profile every coach wants.”
The praise carried extra weight given Emery’s history at Arsenal, where he previously managed the club and understands the demands and expectations placed on attacking players at the Emirates. He acknowledged that Trossard has grown significantly since arriving in the Premier League and now looks like a complete forward capable of influencing big matches.
“He has adapted very well to English football,” Emery added. “Now you can see his confidence. When a player plays with confidence in a team that believes in him, performances like today can happen.”
Arsenal’s 4–0 win was a statement result, but Emery was careful to frame his comments with respect rather than frustration. He praised Arsenal’s overall structure and balance, while repeatedly returning to Trossard as a symbol of the team’s cohesion and attacking intelligence.
For Trossard, the performance was another reminder of his importance to Arsenal’s attacking unit. His ability to score, create space for teammates, and disrupt defensive lines continues to make him a vital asset, especially in matches where precision and movement are required to break down opposition resistance.
As Emery concluded his post-match interview, his final words underlined the level of admiration he holds for the Belgian forward.
“Tonight, Arsenal were very strong, and Trossard was one of the best on the pitch,” he said. “He showed quality, maturity, and responsibility. He deserves the praise.”
In a night defined by Arsenal’s dominance, Unai Emery’s words served as a respectful nod to a player whose performance stood out even in a convincing 4–0 victory.
