Mikel Arteta has admitted that he is tempted to try either Emile Smith Rowe or Gabriel Martinelli in the striker position ahead of Arsenal’s match tonight against Wolves.
Speaking to the Evening Standard, the 39-year-old coach revealed that he has been trying the tactic in training, with Smith Rowe Arsenal’s highest goalscorer this season and Martinelli a player who has the potential to play in the striker role.
With the Brazilian now back from suspension, Arteta has admitted that there is a thought going around that he could start one or the other in the striker position for Alexandre Lacazette, who has been in poor goalscoring form this season.
However, it is likely that the French forward will retain the spot tonight against Wolves, with Lacazette instrumental in bringing the likes of Bukayo Saka and Smith Rowe into the attack with his hold-up play and passing.
Indeed, the thought of Saka, Martin Odegaard, Smith Rowe and Martinelli all starting in the same attack is something that would excite Arsenal fans, and according to Arteta, he has been thinking about it ahead of tonight’s match against Wolves.
The Basque manager said when asked about playing Smith Rowe or Martinelli in the striker role: “I am tempted, yes, because they want to play and when you see players training and playing the way they do, you want to throw them all on the pitch. Unfortunately, 11 is the limit.”
Arteta won’t deploy tactic against Wolves, but Arsenal fans should see it soon
The prospect of a front four with an average age of just 21 will excite Arsenal fans to no end, and whilst we won’t see it tonight against Wolves given the importance of the fixture, supporters should see it at some point this season.
Indeed, home fixtures against Leeds United or Everton would be the perfect test subject to try Martinelli or Smith Rowe in the striker position. Yet for Arteta and Arsenal, Wolves tonight is simply too important to try such a tactic.
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