It is no coincidence that Arsenal came back to life immediately Emile Smith Rowe started his first Premier League game against Chelsea in December.
The Arsenal Academy graduate has been sensational for the Gunners even in his cameos in Europa League games after returning from the sidelines. The 20year old made his first appearance of the season in a 3-0 Arsenal win over Molde in the Europa League, replacing Alexander Lacazette with 15 minutes left and assisting Folarin Balogun for Arsenal’s third on the night.
He came on for Alexander Lacazette, when Rapid Wien visit The Emirates and scored Arsenal’s fourth, just three minutes off the bench. Emile Smith Rowe got his first start in the final group game of the Europa League and assisted Mohamed Elneny’s goal in a 4-2 Arsenal win.
Being a creative midfielder, lacking in Mikel Arteta side in the league which has seen them remained poor yet being outstanding in Europe, Arsenal played six local games (five league, one Carabao Cup) between Emile Smith Rowe’s first Europa League appearance, without a win yet will not call on the only creative midfielder in the team.
Most times, when the 20year old made the squad, he will not be called on as his only appearance in local competition was as a substitute in the 4-1 thumping at the hands of Manchester City in the Carabao Cup, as Arsenal endured a dry and frustrating spell, something that could not have been, should the former Leipzig player be on the side.
Starting the Englishman in a match against Chelsea could even be harsh and make it difficult for the player to make a mark, but Emile Smith Rowe showed what Arsenal have been missing in the league, as he and other young Gunners, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, made Chelsea look like a below average team.
Arsenal’s rise has been proportional to the rise of Emile Smith Rowe, just three Premier League appearance so far and Arsenal have won it all, with himself getting two assists to his name while being at the heart of everything in the Arsenal’s attack.
His recent showing in the FA Cup third round win over Newcastle United last night is another sign that Emile Smith Rowe is not riding on luck, but he is a special talent.
His red card had to be overturned by the VAR in the 92nd minute and he came up with a peach of a goal in extra time, one that proved to be the end of Newcastle United’s resistance in the game.
How bad will Arteta and Arsenal regret the decision not to trust in the ability of Emile Smith Rowe earlier. If not all, it would have earned them some points out of all they lost in their winless run.
Arsenal remain silent so far in the January transfer window, something that would not have been expected of them considering how bad they lack creativity pre Emile Smith Rowe. Hale End might have saved Arsenal at least a whopping £50m.
Emiliano Buendia is the player linked with Arsenal at the moment but it will be a signing that complement Emile Smith Rowe should Arsenal push through and sign the Argentine. A midfield of Thomas Partey, Emiliano Buendia and Emile Smith Rowe will be astonishing, and will bring joy for Arsenal attackers.
With Thomas Partey and Gabriel Magalhaes back for selection, Arsenal are set to be without Gabriel Martinelli, who injured himself in the warm up before yesterday’s game and according to Mikel Arteta, will have a scan today.
Arsenal host Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Thursday and will be looking to continue their impressive form in their own turf.
Afolabi Kehinde Hassan
