Leandro Trossard sends Gabriel Jesus message in Arsenal striker fight after major title boost

Mikel Arteta has warned the fit-again Brazilian that he is not guaranteed Gunners starting berth as January signing thrives

Leandro Trossard is relishing a fight with Gabriel Jesus for his place in the Arsenal team.

Jesus made his comeback as a late substitute in Sunday’s 3-0 win at Fulham, as the Gunners restored their five-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the table.

The Brazilian was making his first appearance since suffering a knee injury at the World Cup, and Mikel Arteta described his return as a “big boost”.

But Arteta warned that Jesus has to win back his place in the team, and Trossard has impressed as a false centre-forward in recent weeks.

Trossard set up all three Arsenal goals at Fulham, and the £27million January signing insists he is ready to battle to continue his run in the side.

“I had it already when I arrived here,” he said. “It’s not that I went into the starting XI from the first week. I had to fight. I think we have such a good group and competition is that high that, as you saw in the last few weeks, we need everyone to win games. That’s what it is all about. That’s how you can win things.

Gabriel Jesus made his comeback after a starring role from Leandro Trossard against Fulham
Getty Images

“He (Jesus) is a top player and he has contributed a lot already for Arsenal. You can see his presence. He makes other players better as well. We need everyone and it’s great to have him back.”

Trossard shone at Craven Cottage, as Arsenal blew Fulham away in the first half. He picked out Gabriel from a corner for Arsenal’s opener and then found Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard for the second and third goals.

Trossard says he already feels at home at Arsenal thanks to his team-mates. “They have made it easy for me,” said the 28-year-old. “It’s such a good group.

“They made me feel welcome on the first day and it felt directly like home. Then it is so much easier for a new player to adapt to a new team. The manager also helped me a lot.

“I am a tactical player and they are all so good on the ball as well, so it’s easier to adapt. I am feeling great now.”

Pep Guardiola’s side had turned up the pressure on Arsenal after they beat Crystal Palace 1-0 on Saturday to close the gap at the top to two points. But the Gunners showed no signs of nerves as they continued their march towards the title.

Asked if Arsenal are feeling the pressure, Trossard said: “No, not really. There is still a long way to go, 11 games. A lot can happen. Last month there was a lot of talk after we lost against City at home.

“Now it is again that we are doing really well, so it can change so quickly. We just need to look at ourselves. If we keep the momentum high, and the quality high, it’s up to us.”

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