Alan Shearer criticized Leandro Trossard during Arsenal’s penalty shootout loss to a ten-man Manchester United, accusing him of lacking ‘hunger’ after Matthijs de Ligt’s spectacular clearance in extra time.
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The FA Cup third-round heavyweight clash burst into life after a goalless first half, with Bruno Fernandes scoring a sublime goal past David Raya in the 52nd minute to give the defending champions the lead. ..Continue Reading
However, the momentum shifted dramatically when Diogo Dalot was sent off for a second bookable offense just after the hour mark. Gabriel Magalhaes then equalized, setting up an exciting finish at the Emirates.
Altay Bayındır became an instant hero with a brilliant save to deny Martin Odegaard from the penalty spot. Arsenal’s frustrations grew as several promising opportunities were missed during extra time.
One of the most notable chances came in the 11th minute of overtime when Raheem Sterling and Jorginho combined to find Kai Havertz, who passed the ball to Trossard.
However, De Ligt made a magnificent goal-line clearance, celebrating passionately with United fans behind the goal. United eventually prevailed in the penalty shootout.
‘De Ligt, coming in right at the last second. He just manages to clear it away, brilliant defending from him,’ ex-Newcastle and England striker Shearer said on BBC’s commentary of the game.
Watching back replays of the chance, Shearer slammed Trossard for allowing De Ligt to race in behind and beat him to the ball.
‘It’s great defending from De Ligt. Having said that, if I’m in that position and I’m Trossard I’m taking the lot and I’m getting on the end of that,’ Shearer added.
‘There’s no way I’m letting the defender get on the end of that.’
‘He’s got to get on, he’s got to show more hunger to get on the end of it and show the hunger that De Ligt shows.
‘He’s got to have that and a bit more to put him and the ball in the back of the net.
‘You see the reaction from De Ligt, that’s how much it means to him and rightly so.’
Theo Walcott echoed Alan Shearer’s comments, criticising Trossard for lacking the desire to get a toe on the ball.
‘This is the one where I feel Trossard just needs to show a bit more,’ the former Arsenal forward said in the BBC studio.
‘He’s in front of De Ligt but De Ligt, to his credit, has produced a superb defensive performance.’
