EMILE SMITH ROWE gave Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta a beautiful reminder of his talents in the 1-0 away win against Aston Villa.
The Gunners’ top scorer was restored to the starting XI after Gabriel Martinelli was ruled out with illness.
Emile Smith Rowe surely starts for Arsenal for the rest of the season Credit: Getty The Brazilian should be back for the next game – but Gunners fans might be a little dismayed if he takes Smith Rowe’s place.
And that is nothing against Martinelli, who has been in fine form this season for a rejuvenated Gunners.
But in Smith Rowe, Arteta has a special talent on his hands.
It was quite apt that the 21-year-old came back in the side to face a team who were desperate to buy him last summer.
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Arsenal in double injury blow with Ramsdale and Martinelli OUT of Villa clash But, thankfully for Gooners, the Croydon lad decided to stay at the Emirates and prove he has what it takes to Arteta.
Smith Rowe’s football brain makes it appear like he has so much time on the ball.
And although he often tries to go for the difficult pass or run, more often than not it comes off.
Bukayo Saka was the matchwinner after he smashed a 20-yarder past his old team-mate Emi Martinez.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be delighted with hos his side performed at Aston Villa Credit: Reuters .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}
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But Saka will definitely be hoping Arteta keeps his England buddy in the starting XI.
Arsenal’s clever switching of play means the gaps are never short between the two.
With Odegaard always looking for one of them ready to dangerously cut inside, the top talents should be thinking the Emirates is their oyster.
Maybe Arteta could utilise Martinelli up front, which would mean captain Alexandre Lacazette gets dropped or rested.
Gabriel Martinelli has been a marvel the last few games – fans will want him back in the team Credit: AFP .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}
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Neighbours heard ‘loud bang’ before student died from her injuries in uni halls That might not be a bad move considering the Frenchman is highly likely to leave at the end of the season.
Or maybe Odegaard could be given a rest. It’s a hectic run-in and the Gunners still need all hands on deck to bag Champions League football.
Smith Rowe has certainly done enough to prove to Arteta that he has what it takes to light up the Emirates – now it’s up the Spanish tactician to figure out how to utilise him best.
Over to you, Mikel…
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
