This match was always going to be tricky for Arsenal manager Arteta to navigate with Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Paris St-Germain looming.
And this draw, Arsenal’s 13th in the Premier League, is one of the big reasons why the Gunners have fallen away in their title challenge.
Arteta picked a strong side six days before Luis Enrique’s team come to north London, with Bukayo Saka on the bench as a precaution.
Saka was named as a substitute after he took a kick to his ankle in the win over Ipswich at the weekend, and Arteta played Trossard as a striker as he looked to try options before their season-defining game in Europe.
Trossard, who is likely to start in the central striking role next week as Merino – who missed this match through injury – will be needed in midfield because of Thomas Partey’s suspension.
The Belgian produced an excellent touch for the second Arsenal goal – his fourth in his past four Premier League appearances, matching the amount he registered in his previous 31.
