Emile Smith-Rowe was finally given a run out for 10 minutes in Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Crystal Palace, and was finally given a starting spot in Tuesday´s win at Forest, replacing Kai Havertz in our line-up. Havertz has shown promise lately, but his impact against the Eagles was minimal, and it appears that his integration into the team has not improved Arsenal’s efficiency up front.
With the title race hanging in the balance, it was time for Arteta to be bold and explore new possibilities, such as using Smith Rowe as the left-sided No. 8. The 23-year-old’s ability to advance the ball into the final third aligns perfectly with the requirements of the LCM role, bringing a refreshing dynamic to the team.
I understand that Arteta may be wary of rushing him straight back to 90 minutes in every game until he is truly match fit, but Arteta reserved special praise for Emile after the game, giving fans hope that we may be seeing our Academy graduate more often in future. Arteta told Arsenal.com after our narrow win: “I think everybody was at a really good level,”
“I’m really pleased with Emile as well because it’s been a long time since he had an opportunity to start a game. He’s been training really well, really sharp.”
And then the boss explained what was so impressive: “That he went for it, that he was free, he was flowing, he was moving, he was participating, his body language was good – he’s just a beautiful footballer to watch,” Mikel continued.
“I’m really pleased because he was really connected with the team and I thought he played the game in a really good way.”
So, after watching the Forest game, do you think Smith-Rowe should now get a regular starting spot and be picked again against Liverpool this weekend?
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It was good to see him being slippery to the opponents just like that boxing day when the whole Emirates was chanting Smith Rowe and Saka… But I think he will thrive when Partey is back who can give delicious passes. Furthermore it was good to see the left wing having their own attack triangle as opposed to the now ineffective right trio of Odegaard, Saka and White.
He makes good runs and is always available to receive a pass, BUT, he makes too many back passes without first looking over his shoulder for a better more positive forward pass. Hazard also has the bad habit of the back pass, when their are better options ahead of him. The only real positive players are Martinelli, Trossard who are always positive, with Saka, Jesus, Nketiah and the other forwards being 80/20 in favour of the back pass. We need more positive players like Rosiscky, Henry, piers, overmars and similar players of old who were more positive. It may be the fact that they either lack confidence or they require a center forward that is strong enough to shield and to hold on to the ball before laying it off for forward running players to carry the ball further forward. You would hope Arteta was experienced enough to notice this flaw in their play and correct this in training. It makes me wonder.
Will he remain injury free?
I think we’ll need Havertz in the left-sided AM position, otherwise Liverpool’s towering CBs would likely dominate us aerially
@gai, I would always prefer a fit ESR than Havertz, ESR had a very good understanding and interchange with Zichenko which made our midfield unpredictable. And he rarely pass the ball backward, he was full of agility, mobile and has good moves in the first half against Forest. Even Arteta spoke about his ball movement. Recently, in our two games against Liverpool Havertz aerial abilities made little difference upfront with no single header towards goal. I want to see ESR start and Havertz can come in later in second half. We just need our front men to be clinical and take their chances.
I think before you worry about what L’pool is going to do to us, we first have to set up to beat them. Our possession is mostly on the ground, that’s where we’re looking to hurt them. Havertz can’t match ESR there. The aerial advantage you’re giving to Havertz has unfortunately evaded him; can’t think of one game he used it to benefit the team. We need to stop thumb-sucking attributes for Havertz and judge him on his performances. We can’t wish stardom on Havertz; that’s never going to help Arsenal.
I would rather see Havertz in a false 9 role up front, or Martinelli. GM is the best finisher at the club and KH has the most natural instinct for knowing where and when to arrive. Jesus has got to play out wide to get the best out of him and the team.
ESR absolutely needs to play in the ACM position. Or ‘left 8’ for all those who for some reason have forgotten that the ‘number 10’ position was one the glamorous role reserved for the Hollywood players like Bergkamp.
Until his next injury, which is just around the corner.
He’s not exactly Diaby or Rosicky yet is he? He had one really bad injury that kept him out for ages and a few niggles following his return. Let’s not condemn him just yet, eh.
For someone so young, he’s been injured a lot!
The Liverpool game is not one for ESR I’m afraid. We need defensive solidity in that game. So, in the absence of Partey, I’d love to see a midfield of Jorginho, Rice and Odegaard.
To me, ESR is best as an option to Odegaard at the No.10 position
I disagree. Mainly because I think they will flood forwards and create changes regardless of how many defensive minded players we play. Our best bet is to play Kiwior at LB and do what we do best which is keep the ball. It’s the only chance we have and even then it might not be enough.
I’m really concerned that Jota and Nunez are going to run rampant again.
I have said before, that given the opportunities afforded Havertz, ESR will show he’s 2 fold the player Havertz is. He doesn’t need integration, he grew up in the system. The boy just needs some motivation and trust from Arteta. On a good day, Smith-Rowe will win Arsenal some games, just like Saka does on a good day.
He needs to stay in and play 60-70 minutes for the next few games and see if his running can changes games. Havertz is a great player for finishing mayxhes. He has the discipline to maintain a lead and the height and power to be an option if we need a goal.
ESR should definitely start but I think he plays much better further forward. He is ok with the left no.8 but could be more effective more forward. Arteta must give him the free licence to move forward whilst playing as left no.8.