FROM THE GTECH COMMUNITY STADIUM – Arsenal are nonetheless looking for a strategy to successfully play via midfield with out Granit Xhaka. Could you think about that sentence at any level throughout the first six years of his seven-season keep in north London?
The Switzerland worldwide was one of the unlikely heroes of the Gunners’ Premier League title cost final season, not solely bringing chunk and magnificence to the beginning XI, however valuable purpose contributions – seven objectives, seven assists.
Xhaka opted to again away from recent contract talks with Arsenal in an effort to return to the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen this summer season. Few predicted Mikel Arteta would select to switch him with Kai Havertz.
After all, the German had hardly impressed in three seasons at Chelsea, largely enjoying as a busy however misfiring striker. Shifting him into Xhaka’s position has thus far proved fanciful.
The kindest method of spinning Havertz’s performances thus far are he has hardly been of direct detriment to his group. He’s shanked a pair of gilt-edged probabilities in that point so ‘hardly been’ is probably the most correct description.
That story was related in Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Brentford within the Carabao Cup. Havertz saved play ticking and coated loads of floor – even blocking just a few crosses, although largely by merely being tall – however lacked a decisive edge when there wasn’t acres of house to play into.
His match was contrasted with Emile Smith Rowe, who was making his first begin for Arsenal in 499 days.
Arsenal followers fell in love with Smith Rowe throughout a breakout 2021/22 season, proving a dependable scorer from the wing. Injuries have seen him lose that spot to Gabriel Martinelli, however he’s clearly nonetheless of use to Arteta.
Smith Rowe was examined in a deeper midfield position adjoining to Havertz on Wednesday. Where Arsenal’s £65m summer season signing lacked confidence and conviction, their academy product confirmed endeavour and drive. One participant handled the ball with smothering care and the opposite like a weapon. Stylistically, Smith Rowe is extra prototypically Arsenal than Havertz.
There was one notable run within the first half the place Smith Rowe danced and pranced his well beyond a forest of Brentford legs, forcing a low save out of goalkeeper Mark Flekken.
That was the top of his spotlight reel for the night, although he did not draw back from possession. Arteta’s reintegration of Smith Rowe has been a gradual and regular one, however there’s sufficient to recommend this experiment may have extra legs than the Havertz one.
Arsenal no less than have choices and competitors to begin alongside key duo Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard within the coronary heart of midfield. Arteta has lengthy preached the necessity to have such a headache.
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