Former Premier League striker Darren Bent cannot understand why Emile Smith Rowe is not getting game time at Arsenal right now.
Emile Smith Rowe did not feature in either of Arsenal‘s first two Premier League games this season, and Bent has suggested that there is a problem.
Speaking on talkSPORT, the former England forward said: “I think there’s something going on there. I don’t know because I thought he’d certainly get given an opportunity, but he hasn’t.”
Smith Rowe had a difficult season last term. The attacking midfielder was only able to make 12 appearances in the Premier League because of injury, with none of those being starts.
He is now fully fit again, though, and will be hoping that Mikel Arteta eventually turns to him.
Emile Smith Rowe still has plenty to offer to Arsenal
For whatever reason, Arteta has overlooked Smith Rowe in Arsenal’s first two league games of the new campaign.
Nevertheless, the 23-year-old is still a good attacker who can help the Gunners this season as they look to mount another title challenge.
Smith Rowe, who has been described as a “special talent” by Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, was developing into a goalscorer before his injury problems.
In the 2021/22 Premier League campaign, he scored 10 times in 33 outings as his side went on to finish in fifth, so the talent is there.
Had it not been for that groin issue, perhaps Smith Rowe would have got close to Bukayo Saka’s level, with the two England internationals breaking into the Arsenal first team around the same time. Who knows?
Now, Smith Rowe will be looking to take inspiration from Saka, who has become such a key player for Arteta. Playing alongside the winger again will undoubtedly be his aim after such a tough period at the Emirates.
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