Qwiss I'd go for Smith-Rowe, he speeds up our attacking play and makes the sort of off the ball runs we need. His sharp one two play and quick one touch progressive passing is exactly what defenders don't want to deal with and it'd stop our slow return to the horseshoe of misery.

Is the stage being set for the latest Smith Rowe recovery mission?

*Checks Boxing Day fixture - West Ham at home, hmmmm, just maybe...

Personally, I think if Saka is going to be out for any length of time (and perhaps even if not), Arteta has got to find a way to get Emile into the team now. For all the reasons you've outlined - and because I might go mad watching us if he doesn't.

    4 days later

    JazzG
    First 30 mins was his worst in an Arsenal shirt but after that he fucking grew.

    Think he should be given the captains armband next season, honestly he is the best leader we have.

      only caught the second half, it felt like he was everywhere. loving his contributions so far

      Interception machine, that reading of the play around 0:17 is top drawer.

      Those quick long legs gobble up space and time, so fortunate to have him.

      Felt he was better in the second half. Played more aggressively, ventured forward more.

      Very good player.

      • Doc likes this.

      First half was really bad but 2nd half he absolutely dominated the half

      Looked like he'd been instructed to hold back but it meant our midfield was pretty ineffective in the first half as Jorginho also didn't venture forward. So we were on the back-foot when needing to press and lacking in options when in attack.

      Looked much better with Partey in the second half. They'll be dominant together.

      I wonder how well Partey and Rice can play together. It would be great if it could work out, and could see how their skillsets complement each other to some degree, but they're both #6s to me.

        CPM If Arteta can't get a midfield of Rice, Partly and Odegaard working then he's got no business being our manager (and I think he will for the record)

          haven't seen such sweet interceptions since paddy v's pomp

          CPM

          ———————Odegaard
          —————Rice————-Partey
          Zinchenko———————————White
          ——————Gabriel—-Saliba
          —————————Raya

          That’s the formation plus a front three

              lorddulaarsenal you just need to give one of Rice and Partey licence to break out from midfield and join the attack. Its something Rice did well at WHU and it still leaves Partey offering everything he did last season.

                Everything qwiss said plus swap zinny for tomi

                Eventually Zinchenko/White will be alternating with Jurrien.