Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was keen to single out Emile Smith Rowe for his performance in the 4-2 win against Dundalk in the Europa League last night.
The 20-year-old was employed on the left-wing and, despite being played out of position, Arteta said he was very impressed by what he saw of the midfielder in terms of his creativity:
“He hasn’t played many games, he played in a position that doesn’t suit him perfectly for his qualities but you can see that every time he’s around the ball that something is going to happen. He has a lot of creativity, he’s a player that has the quality to receive the ball and do things in high-value spaces when things get open. He’s a threat and I’m really happy with his performance.”
Smith Rowe provided the assist for Mohamed Elneny which put the Gunners 2-0 up on the night, and supporters on Twitter think that the youngster should be involved when the London club face Burnley at the Emirates on Sunday:
Croydon Figo
— Zeus Cannon (@Zeus_Cannon) December 11, 2020
Has to play
— KB (@KB88AFC) December 11, 2020
I look at this boy and I see vision, energy, intelligence, drive. Please I would rather Arteta gone than lose these bags of potentials
— femi abolaji (@abolajifemi) December 11, 2020
He’s better than dani and xhaka
— TheGunnerTalker (@GunnerTalker) December 11, 2020
His better than Willock ten fold.
— Jalur ?? (@LurBrian) December 11, 2020
He needs more minutes under his belt
— kadir (@Kadir_AFC) December 11, 2020
Surely not Arteta! If he starts him what will happen with his beloved Willian?
— Emmanuel Ndiokwere (@EmmanuelNdiokw4) December 11, 2020
Hoped our game vs burnley is a turning point
— ?? (@InjuredRamsey) December 11, 2020
The midfielder has not even made the matchday squad for a league game yet so, despite the praise from Arteta, the likelihood of him featuring this weekend appears to be pretty low.
Considering the lack of creativity from Arsenal’s first-choice players, though, you have to ask why the Spaniard doesn’t at least try something different in the search for goals. The Gunners have scored just two goals in their last seven Premier League matches.