ESR: Page 37 - The Arsenal discussion forum and community: One More in the Tolly

ESR

daredevil

Smith Rowe returned from injury in January, but then got injured again. Here's a timeline for ease of reference;

Jan 10 - Smith Rowe gets 10 mins against Oxford United
Jan 27 - Smith Rowe dealing with a new injury and will miss Man City game
Feb 4 - Smith Rowe unavailable for Everton game
Feb 10 - Unavailable against Brentford
Feb 15 - Unavailable against Man City
Feb 18 - Available against Villa

So that's just over 7 months to be exact. There was no reason to risk him last season given his recurring injury and the fact that we had better players than him in the pecking order.

This season, there is a strong case to bring him back into the fold and give him more playing time.

est

lorddulaarsenal What play style? The one that requires us to carry passengers like Havertz?

God forbid someone actually played some quick one-twos, made darting runs with and without the ball and scored some goals.

Don Pacifico

lorddulaarsenal think 'Energy & hustle' is an incredibly reductive way to describe ESR as a player!

lorddulaarsenal

Odegaard sets the standard - he works hard, has top technique, is able to dance in the box, play patient build up and disguise passes etc…

Basically to thrive in our play style you need pausa in your locker

SimplyThePest

lorddulaarsenal as opposed to a bloke like Havertz who has so much 'pausa' that he's frozen stiff most of the time... 😃

Bring Back Kerrea Gilbert

lorddulaarsenal Odegaard can also be swallowed up almost entirely. See Spurs game.

QuincyAbeyie

Not the way I see it. The players people want ESR to take minutes off of (i.e. Havertz and to a lesser degree Vieira) set the standard. Nobody wants ESR to have Ødegaard's minutes, so I don't think you can't use Ødegaard's qualities to argue why ESR shouldn't play ahead of the other two.

Kel Varnsen

I think ESR has something most of our other midfielders lack. Unlike the rest of them, he wants to attack space. Both with and without the ball. He'll often pass the ball forward, make a small run, and set up for a quick 1-2. I guess that's why Arteta don't like him. He is too progressive, and not cautious enough.

RocktheCasbah

Kel Varnsen I really don't think it's as reductive as Arteta doesn't "like" Emile.

I think if he is being looked at for one of the 2 8s, then there are probably things, defensively speaking, Arteta wants to see from him in training and hasn't yet. If he is now considered as an 8 rather than a winger, as Arteta alluded to the other day, then it also makes more sense that he didn't see a lot of game time whilst we were trying to win a league title last season. It would have been a risk - sure, maybe one worth taking, but I get why it wasn't.

I have to say though, this stuff about "pausa"... you (not you specifically, Kel, the royal "you") can argue Emile hasn't got it if you want to, but I think he showed more ability to speed a game up in a minute of this Youtube clip than we're ever likely to see from Havertz. And he did it in the derby too.

Qwiss

Kel Varnsen I guess that's why Arteta don't like him. He is too progressive, and not cautious enough.

Thats been my thinking too. He's too front footed for Arteta, wants to move forward with his passing too often rather than sideways. I reckon Arteta would be happy with ESR until we score, then he'd be annoyed he wasn't being cautious enough.

lorddulaarsenal

Yes Odegaard has his shortcomings. Basically we should be looking for a player with atleast his level of ability in that role. As it stands we don’t have anyone in the squad truly capable of that. Trossard or Jesus would be our best bets there.

goon

Qwiss

Arteta actually mentioned his ‘verticality’ as a strength that makes him stand out. He may not find it suitable for every game but given the flexibility he’s looking for tactically I’m sure there’s games and moments he’d like it.

I’m actually surprised he doesn’t bring him on more often when we’re ahead but under pressure, because he’s the perfect transition player.

I think it’s mostly down to trust. Both Artetas comments and ESRs interview above make reference to mentality.

goon

Qwiss

I’m actually surprised he doesn’t bring him on more often when we’re ahead but under pressure, because he’s the perfect transition player.

I think it’s mostly down to trust. Both Artetas comments and ESRs interview above make reference to mentality.

Don Pacifico

Did you guys see the interview ESR did the other day?

https://arseblog.news/2023/09/i-believe-in-myself-now-smith-rowe-reveals-battle-with-self-doubt/

If anything, it sounds like Arteta wants him to take more risks. That's also consistent with what he's asked of other players previously.

Qwiss

Don Pacifico If anything, it sounds like Arteta wants him to take more risks. That's also consistent with what he's asked of other players previously.

Its not consistent with how we play though. We are very risk averse.

QuincyAbeyie

https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/23849113.newcastle-united-discuss-january-move-arsenals-emile-smith-rowe/

Clrnc

QuincyAbeyie Swap for Bruno and I will take it in a heartbeat

Coombs

I much prefer the Jorginho to Barcelona rumors.

Pepe LeFrits

Why not both?

Coombs

Pepe LeFrits I still believe.

Sicario2

Let’s not sell both mid-season.

Can’t see get any replacements in.

lorddulaarsenal

Sicario2 fund the Neto deal.

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