Could the introduction of this forgotten gunner be the unpredictability that wins Arsenal the league?
Arsenal have a good chance of winning their next seven games, as many expect them to, but Mikel Arteta needs to change his tactics to add some unpredictability to Arsenal’s game. This ‘something different’ could be him tweaking his line-up. As we mentioned a few days ago, Arteta has to change his starting lineup, and who knows, even one change could get Arsenal back on track. What changes could you make to Arteta’s default lineup?
Personally, I’d reintroduce Emile Smith Rowe to the starting lineup. My call to give Smith Rowe a chance stems from Arteta’s statements during his news conference for the Southampton game.
While addressing the media Arteta on Thursday revealed how Smith-Rowe’s performances in training are slowly convincing him he is ready to help the team, saying via Arsenal.com: “[Smith Rowe] He’s pushing. In football, it’s not about what you’ve done a year or a month ago; it’s about what you do now, what you did yesterday, and what you’re going to do tomorrow. The player has to have that mindset, and the contribution has to be now to the team to make us better and win games. It is there. Very close, yeah.”
We all know how powerful the 22-year-old can be on a good day; during the 2021-22 season, when he had 10 goals in 33 league games, he was “unstoppable”. After witnessing him sparkle last season, it was assumed that this would be his season, but injuries have held him back.
He hasn’t discovered his magic since his return, but Arteta probably hints that he has based on what he’s been seeing at Colney. So if the Arsenal boss believes that unleashing the Hale End graduate is what Arsenal needs to find their winning formula, then why not? In terms of where he plays, I’d start him in place of Xhaka. Thus, the midfield will be with Thomas Partey as the No. 6 and Martin Odegaard and Smith-Rowe as the double No. 8. What are your thoughts if Arteta decides to pursue that route?
Daniel O
Only if MA uses him as a sub instead of Vieira who think needs to have a loan spell away from the club.
I would not play him in GX’s position. To me he is a little lightweight. He needs to play in MO’s position as a sub allowing Trossard to be a sub for either Saka or Martinelli depending on the game requirements or even a false 9 if Jesus needs to be rested.
I agree with everything you said. ESR plays better through the middle, and he’s well suited for the 10 spot and making late runs into the box.
If Arteta is right about “what you’re doing today” then how does Vieira keep getting on the pitch? The guy needs a loan because he’s overwhelmed on the pitch when he plays.
He’s been out for a good while so it could be counterproductive to use him in these big games coming up. If he had some form for him even a little then I would like to see him vying for some action. Sub appearances will be his only shot this season one would imagine
When ESR is reintroduced he will be used on the left flank and not in a central midfield role.
Most likely Grandad, but I hope that’s not his long-term intended role in the team, as he has the skills to perform more centrally as a possible/probable eventual replacement for Xhaka. He’s been a huge miss this season, and he now has more than enough competition for that wide left spot.
I really hope he doesn’t agitate to leave if he doesn’t get regular first-team football.
I feel the same way about ESR being a potential replacement for Xhaka. The one aspect of his game that I don’t think we see too often is his defensive side, but I may be forgetting seeing that last year.
On the offensive side, if we continue to use two attack minded mids, I think he will shine. He has an eye for goal and is instinctive with the pass. I always loved seeing those one touch passes near the box that caught defenders on the back foot.
I think he’d really help to drive counters when Arsenal look to break out quick from their own half. And, I think he would help create that triangle needed on the left to the two Gabbys to make that side even more unpredictable.
I think investment in the midfield is still a good idea, but I still firmly believe we have another star on bench waiting for his opportunity to get back in the team. All he needs is to stay healthy and regain the trust the manager.