Many believed this season Smith Rowe would rediscover his form and become a valuable member of this Arsenal squad. However, his season did not start off well. Arteta initially overlooked him, and just as it seemed he was getting his chances, he picked up an injury. He was back in action not long ago after recuperating from an injury, but he has yet to play a significant role, and yesterday’s small cameo was another step to regaining match fitness,
When Kai Havertz was unable to play versus West Ham due to a suspension for collecting five yellow cards, some thought Smith Rowe would be tried out as the left-sided No. 8, but he wasn’t, and when there were calls for Gabriel Martinelli to be benched for the Fulham game and he was given a chance, he wasn’t.
Some may believe the Arsenal No. 10 ought to be wise to seek a transfer exit. However, the 23-year-old still has a chance to break into this Arsenal lineup. According to Mikel Arteta, he has conversations with Smith-Rowe, like with every other player, and he hasn’t asked to leave.
“That was never part of our plans,” Arteta said of Smith Rowe exit links. “This is a two-way conversation all the time with players. I love listening to them about how they are feeling, what is the best thing for them, or what they want to do. Because you really have to be aligned with them and how they are feeling, and they have to feel important.
“This is still the biggest part of the season to play now, and we have to be patient, and he will have his chances.”
There is no doubt that Smith Rowe is a fantastic footballer. He is special; all he needs is a run of games, which he should get in the coming months, and who knows, he may reclaim his purpose in Arteta’s project if he can only avoid another spell on the teatment table.
Daniel O
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Well bloody play him then!!!!!!!!!!
Do you even watch Arsenal? Because if you did, you’d know that ESR is rarely fit.
Yes i watched on Sunday, when ESR was fit and sat on the bench. And yes i have watched other games where he was fit and sat on the bench. Don’t you watch Arsenal games? Isn’t that just a bit immature again.
Facts defeating nonsense once again Reggie.
I’m certain Jen, Jumbo, TMJW doesn’t get to see games in Australia!!
The fact is, he’s more likely to get injured again trying to impress in just three minutes plus, than actually starting a game and being involved from the first minute by being selected on merit.
Exactly Ken.
Before ESR struggled with injuries, after a slow introduction to the team, he became a regular I looked forward to seeing play
If everyone was fully firing on all cylinders then he might struggle to be more than a bench player, but coming in for just a few minutes here and there is pointless. He is either fully fit or he’s not and cameos will not help him or us
Agree with you SueP about silly cameos.
He has to be played now as the other forward players are under-performing and are out of form.
My own feeling is his best position is the box 2 box midfielder role (bit like Aaron Ramsey) making late runs into the box and has a good finish rather than the left wing position.
I also feel Zinchenko and ESR should be used as the midfield double pivot.
Use either Sousa or Kiwior @ LB even though he looked shaky (he needs a run of games to become settled in that position).
Sorry meant Zinchenko or ESR along with DR as the double pivot.
He has had to watch a misfiring Haverz and gets 10 or 15 minutes here and there. If he isn’t going to play him, why say he will. Why dont we just let him go.
It’s almost as if MA is only showcasing to the world that ESR is healthy and can be available to their club for the right amount of money.
Don’t want to hear about injury concerns.
Jesus injured yet again, however Arteta plays him regularly when fit.
Zinchenko was injured again, yet he’s playing LB when available.
Saka gets played with knocks, slight injuries, and hardly ever rested.
I’ll believe it when he starts competing for starts or gets a run of games. Otherwise it’s just more talk, like “competition” with GK.
Exactly
he want’s to finish him completely by not playing him, there will be no team interested in buying him at the end of the season and he does his favourite thing, buy whatever is remaining in his contract and let him join another club for free. We have seen this series from MA before and it looks like this sequel will continue for several seasons. Sit back and enjoy your popcorns.