‘IN THE ABSENCE OF GABRIEL JESUS, TROSSARD AND NKETIAH’: Arteta says 22-year-old could now become Arsenal’s striker AND is not Martinelli
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has told the club’s official website that he could use Emile Smith Rowe as a striker.
Arteta made the comments about the 22-year-old player after Arsenal won against Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium in North London in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
Arsenal came from two goals down to get the better of the Cherries 3-2.
Smith Rowe, who has only just returned from a long-term injury, came on as a substitute in the first half when winger Leandro Trossard got injured.
The England international, who can operate as an attacking midfielder or as a winger, was taken off in the second half for Reiss Nelson, who turned out to be the hero of the game.
The 22-year-old did not have the best of matches, but he did provide an assist.
Gabriel Jesus is still not fit enough to play for Arsenal, while fellow striker Eddie Nketiah is also injured at the moment.
Gabriel Martinell is able to play down the middle, although his best position is out wide.
Arsenal boss Arteta has suggested that he could play Smith Rowe down the middle as the striker of his team in the absence of Jesus and Nketiah.
MIKEL ARTETA ON ARSENAL’S EMILE SMITH ROWE
Arteta said when asked if Martinelli will play more centrally in the absence of Trossard: “The way they were defending, we thought it was the best way to do it.
“We have alternatives – Emile can play in that position as well, we can move players and Reiss can give us width and threat in wider areas.
“We’ll have to assess every opponent because they’ll be different. Now we have Sporting CP, a really tough match, so let’s hope we’ll have one or two back.”
