Arsenal star Leandro Trossard ‘breaks Pedro Porro in half’ with piece of skill that leaves ‘whole stadium gasping’
AWED fans saw Leandro Trossard “break Pedro Porro in half” with skill that left the “whole stadium gasping” in a dramatic North London derby.
Tottenham‘s Porro writhed in agony – and “embarrassment” – after the Arsenal winger’s twist and turn sent him sprawling to the ground.
https://twitter.com/footballontnt/status/1879628760653209996Trossard remained at the centre of attention for the rest of the first half as he inspired the Gunners’ 2-1 comeback victory.
Spurs had led through Son Heung-Min’s surprise opener.
But Trossard then won a controversial corner from which Dominic Solanke put through his own net for a 40th-minute equaliser.
And the Belgian himself lashed Arsenal’s winner before the break.
But it was Trossard’s “Cruyff turn” that most captivated viewers.
He darted down the left with his back to Porro, before dummying the Spaniard.
Porro came close to doing the splits as he slumped to the floor holding his leg.
One fan said: “Trossard may have just injured Pedro Porro with a Cruyff turn. Felt like the whole stadium gasped there. Play’s stopped for him to receive treatment.”
Another posted: “Leandro Trossard just ended Pedro Porro’s career.”
Referee Simon Hooper promptly stopped play for the stricken Spurs star to get treatment.
But one fan claimed the 25-year-old was only suffering from an “embarrassment injury”.
Another wrote: “Trossard actually broke Porro in half.”
A few minutes later the ex-Sporting Lisbon wideman played his Arsenal tormentor onside.
And TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand said: “I don’t think he’s recovered from that bit of skill earlier.”
Ferdy’s colleague Darren Fletcher added: “The first thing the physio did was untie him.”
Arsenal player ratings vs Tottenham
By Dan King
ARSENAL came from behind to defeat Tottenham 2-1 in the North London derby.
Son Heung-Min had given the visitors the lead in the 25th minute against the run of play.
But as they have done so often, the Gunners scored from a corner as Gabriel Magalhaes‘ header was bundled in as an own goal by Dominic Solanke.
Leandro Trossard then put the home side ahead on the stroke of half-time with an fine finish.
Here’s how the players rated…
David Raya – 6
Spectator until kept out Kulusevski shot midway through first half, then beaten by deflection for Son goal. Didn’t make a save in second half.
Jurrien Timber – 6
Solid enough defensively to keep Son Heung-Min mostly quiet but less sure of himself going forward, wasting good chances to cross.
William Saliba – 6
Untroubled until Son’s shot went in off him. Started second half hesitantly but kept his concentration to minimise Tottenham openings.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 8
Brilliant interception to deny Solanke then decisive at other end to force equaliser. Excellent against Solanke twice more in calm and steadfast second half.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8
Fine pass to play in Sterling set tone for excellent, mature, all-round display from second youngest Arsenal player to start a North London derby.
Thomas Partey – 7
Strong presence who won the ball back well, not least ahead of Arsenal’s second goal. But sometimes looked vulnerable to Spurs’ pace on break.
Declan Rice – 7
Covered lots of ground and finally found a good set-piece delivery to create equaliser. Still not quite at his best, but much closer.
Raheem Sterling – 5
Saw plenty of ball, but with little end product, including golden chances at start of both halves. Curiously reluctant to take on his man. Deservedly hooked.
Martin Odegaard – 6
Prompted and probed without finding killer pass but released Trossard for second goal. Missed chance to make it 3-1, fewer signs of return to form than Rice.
Leandro Trossard – 6
Frustrated home fans with lack of killer instinct and poor decisions until he fired Arsenal in front. Did little after break to merit staying on for so long.
Kai Havertz – 4
Barely involved first half apart from nicking ball off Spurs keeper Kinsky. Headed wide from close range early in second. Nothing coming off for him.
SUBS
Gabriel Martinelli (for Sterling, 61) – 5
Slow to get up to speed and contributed little apart from one penetrating run into the box and a blocked shot.
Kieran Tierney (for Trossard, 77) – 6
Brought on to shore things up and did it well enough.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (for Lewis-Skelly, 87) – 6
Useful legs for dying minutes, almost created chance.
Mikel Merino (for Rice, 87) – 6
Good booking to stop Solanke getting away in stoppage time.