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It wasn’t an unforgettable night Arsenalbut the club crossed the finish line and secured its place in the semi-finals of the League Cup Tuesday.
Of course, it took them a penalty shootout to get there, but throughout the match the Premier League And Champions League the leaders were by far the better team and should have won by a significant margin had they put their shooting boots on.
Therefore, it would be fair to say that there were more than a few starters who are usually on the bench, who should now be in contention to start this weekend.
However, there has been one glaring omission from the squad, someone who must surely now leave Arsenal to avoid becoming the next Emile Smith Rowe.
Which Arsenal stars are in contention?
Starting at the back, and if Piero Hincapie is absent this weekend, Myles Lewis-Skelly must surely keep his place in the side.
Yes, there were a few moments where he lost the ball, but overall Hale Ender was calm, assured and relaxed on the ball and, more importantly, he once again demonstrated the passing and carrying abilities that make him such a special player.
Moving into the middle of the park, Mikel Arteta gave Christian Norgaard a rare start, and the Denmark international more than rewarded his manager.
The former Brentford captain played the full 101 minutes, and while he’s not as flashy as a Martin Zubimendi or as explosive as a Declan Rice, he brought a real sense of calm to the midfield.
For example, he made 87 touches, won three out of four ground duels, made three clearances, won three out of five aerial duels, won the ball eight times and was not dribbled past.
Finally, after being disappointing from the start in recent weeks, Gabriel Martinelli turned back the years against Crystal Palace and looks like the winger who took the Championship by storm in 22/23.
The former Ituano gem had Jaydee Canvot chasing shadows in the first half, and if it wasn’t for the knock he took towards the end of the first 45, he might well have been just as dangerous after the break.
In just 59 minutes of action, the Brazilian completed three dribbles, created two big chances, played five key passes and won four of seven ground duels.
However, while Arteta gave several players the chance to prove their worth against Palace, he left out someone who could risk becoming the club’s next Smith Rowe.
Arsenal star risks becoming the new Smith Rowe
When Smith Rowe made his debut for Arsenal’s first team, there was a lot of hope and expectation that alongside Bukayo Saka, he would become one of the club’s main men in the future.
After all, in his best campaign for the club, the 21/22 season, he racked up a sensational tally of 11 goals and two assists in 37 appearances.
However, injuries prevented him from having a significant impact on the team over the next two seasons and then, when he was finally fit, the team moved on and challenged for the title without him.
Eventually, when it became clear that he would not play a significant role in the team, he was sold to Fulham.
Now, even though things won’t play out the same way and we’re really, really far away from what’s happening, it’s not hard to see Ethan Nwaeri going down a similar path.
After all, the “phenomenal” Hale Ender, like voiced by former professional Stephen Warnockwas a hugely important part of the team last season, scoring nine goals and providing two assists in 37 appearances, but cannot get on the pitch this season.
In total, the 18-year-old has played just 446 minutes for the first team this season, in 11 appearances, including just three starts.
|
Woman in 24/25 |
|
|---|---|
|
Appearances |
37 |
|
Minutes |
1378′ |
|
Goals |
9 |
|
Aids |
2 |
|
Implications in goals per match |
0.29 |
|
Minutes per goal involvement |
125.27′ |
Therefore, with it clear that he won’t get much playing time as the season progresses, it would surely be best for all parties if the teenage sensation leaves in January.
From now on, before the pitchforks and torches come out, he should not leave on a permanent contract, but on a short-term loan in a team where he will benefit from regular and essential minutes.
Doing this would help the youngster’s development immensely and hopefully lead to more appearances at the Emirates next season and more chances to realize his incredible potential.
Ultimately, if Arteta doesn’t pick Nwaneri this season, Arsenal should send him back on loan, even if it’s just to prevent him from becoming the next Smith Rowe.
