Emile Smith-Rowe: Mikel Arteta challenges Arsenal star to prove why he deserves a place in the starting XI
Mikel Arteta has laid the challenge down to Emile Smith-Rowe to prove why he deserves a place in the Arsenal starting XI.
Smith-Rowe has yet to start a Premier League game this season after a season riddled with injuries saw him make just twelve substitute appearances the campaign prior.
The Englishman looks set to start his first game for Arsenal since 16 May 2022 when the Gunners take on Brentford in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday and Arteta has challenged the 23-year-old to make the most of this rare opportunity.
Background of Emile Smith-Rowe
Smith-Rowe broke into the Arsenal side during the 2021/22 season, scoring ten goals in 33 games as he signed a long-term contract with the club and was awarded the no.10 jersey.
But after groin surgery saw him miss a lot of action last season, the England international has found himself down the pecking order, especially after the signings of Fabio Vieira and Kai Havertz.
The attacking midfielder attracted interest from Chelsea during the summer window, but Arteta still believes he has a big future at the club.
Mikel Arteta’s Challenge to Emile Smith-Rowe
‘No. He needs to be a big part of this team going forward,’ Arteta said when asked if the club had considered letting Smith-Rowe leave the Emirates.
‘A player of that talent, who has come through our system. That is what we want to do. Now he needs the minutes and he needs to prove that he can do what he can do.’
Arsenal’s Upcoming Match Against Brentford
Arsenal travel to Brentford on Wednesday looking to continue their unbeaten start to the season and book their place in the Carabao Cup fourth round.
Conclusion
With Emile Smith-Rowe set to start his first game for Arsenal since May 2022, Mikel Arteta has challenged the 23-year-old to prove why he deserves a place in the starting XI. Smith-Rowe has been hampered by injuries in recent seasons, but Arteta still believes he has a big future at the club. Arsenal travel to Brentford on Wednesday looking to continue their unbeaten start to the season and book their place in the Carabao Cup fourth round.