Has Emile Smith-Rowe Become Surplus to Requirements at Arsenal?
Emile Smith-Rowe played a huge part in Arsenal’s successful 2021/21 campaign, helping the Gunners to finish fifth at the end of the season. He picked up an injury in preseason and has yet to start for Arsenal in the 2022/23 season, coming on only as a substitution. The North London club is currently flying high without Smith-Rowe having had any significant impact.
They have won five of their first six opening games and only lost just one game – 3-1 away to Manchester United at Old Trafford. This begs the question: has Emile Smith-Rowe become surplus to requirements at Arsenal, or can they be a much stronger team with him back in the squad after he returns from his latest injury setback? Take a closer look right here.
Who is Emile Smith-Rowe?
Emile Smith-Rowe is an England-born men’s professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder, striker, or winger for Premier League side Arsenal FC. The 22-year-old was born in July 2000. He spent his youth career at Arsenal from 2010 before moving to the senior team in 2018. He has also played for his country at the U16, U17, U18, and U19 levels, and made his debut for the England senior team in November 2021, in which England beat Albania 5-0 in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification match.
He prefers his right foot, and his career highlight so far at a senior level is winning the FA Community Shield in 2020. He has played more than 50 games for Arsenal FC and has scored 12 goals across all competitions (accurate at the time of writing). As a local lad, fans who purchase Arsenal tickets felt they could be represented by him on the pitch, much like his peer Bukayo Saka.
Is Smith-Rowe still needed at Arsenal?
In short, yes. Although centre-forward Gabriel Jesus came in from Manchester City for a reported fee of £46.98 million, Arsenal can’t just rely on one man up front. Since Jesus arrived, though, he has made a huge impact, scoring a hat-trick (three goals) in their 6-0 Emirates Cup final win over Sevilla on July 30th. He then scored two goals in Arsenal’s second game (and second win) of the new Premier League season when they beat Leicester City 4-2. He also opened the scoring in their next 2-1 win at home to Aston Villa.
Owing to these stunning performances, Mikel Arteta has already stated that Smith-Rowe will need to work extra hard to ensure his place in the squad. The number 10 has struggled with injury as of late, and despite what everyone knows he is capable of, he will need to bounce back to form and compete for his spot. He may have altered Arsenal’s transfer plans, and if he can’t return to form, he may end up being left on the scrap heap, which means that Arsenal will have to look for a new signing to replace him.
Upcoming Arsenal fixtures
On Sunday, September 11th, Arsenal face Everton at home, and then they go on to play PSV Eindhoven at home in the group stage of the Europa League on Thursday, September 15th. Next up is Brentford away on Sunday, September 18th, before going on to face London rivals Spurs at home on October 1st.