Journalist James McNicholas has shared what he has heard about Emile Smith Rowe in Arsenal training amid speculation that he could leave the club in the January transfer window.
It has been a frustrating time for Emile Smith Rowe. It is easy to forget now but the England international scored 10 goals in the Premier League in the 2021/22 season. Remarkably, he has only made one league start since.
West Ham made an approach to take Smith Rowe on loan. But Smith Rowe is keen to stay at Arsenal and believes that he is good enough to regain his place. And Mikel Arteta handed him a chance to feature for the final 20 minutes against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Emile Smith Rowe impressing in Arsenal training
It was the longest the 23-year-old has spent on the pitch in the Premier League since October. And some may be wondering if Arteta is attempting to convey to the youngster that he is still needed at the Emirates.
But judging by McNicholas’ comments on Arsecast, it appears that Arteta was rewarding the attacking midfielder for his performances in training.
“I’m always cautious when I hear things like this because training and competition are very different but I have heard that he’s training really well,” he said.
“That he feels very physically confident at this point in time.”
Kai Havertz’s form is back under the microscope
Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Crystal Palace has not alleviated all of the concerns over the Gunners’ fortunes. They took a 2-0 lead thanks to two set-pieces. Meanwhile, the icing on the cake only came in stoppage-time when Gabriel Martinelli scored twice.
Palace are also going through a miserable run. So Arsenal fans will not be getting carried away with the victory – as important as it clearly was.
And Kai Havertz is back to having a point to prove. The Germany international has now scored one goal in his last seven appearances in all competitions.
Havertz appeared to have turned a corner before the turn of the year. But his form is back under the microscope. And with that, some fans will feel that Smith Rowe should be getting more chances.
If he continues to impress in training, hopefully he can expect to get some more minutes.