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FROM THE GTECH COMMUNITY STADIUM – Arsenal are nonetheless looking for a option to successfully play by way of midfield with out Granit Xhaka. May 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 many unlikely heroes of the Gunners’ Premier League title cost final season, not solely bringing chew and class to the beginning XI, however treasured purpose contributions – seven objectives, seven assists.
Xhaka opted to again away from contemporary contract talks with Arsenal with a view to return to the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen this summer season. Few predicted Mikel Arteta would select to switch him with Kai Havertz.
In any case, the German had hardly impressed in three seasons at Chelsea, principally enjoying as a busy however misfiring striker. Shifting him into Xhaka’s position has to this point proved fanciful.
The kindest means of spinning Havertz’s performances to this point are he has hardly been of direct detriment to his workforce. He is shanked a few gilt-edged probabilities in that point so ‘hardly been’ is essentially the most correct description.
That story was comparable in Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Brentford within the Carabao Cup. Havertz stored play ticking and lined plenty of floor – even blocking a couple of crosses, although principally by merely being tall – however lacked a decisive edge when there wasn’t acres of area 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. Accidents 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. The place 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 start out 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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