Luton Town manager Rob Edwards has now admitted that he’s been slightly disappointed that one Arsenal player hasn’t played more games.
Mikel Arteta rang the changes against Luton last night, trusting some of Arsenal’s so-called ‘fringe players’ to get the job done.
Of course, when your squad players are Thomas Partey and Emile Smith Rowe, you’re unlikely to come unstuck.
And ultimately Arteta’s bold decision was justified, with Arsenal winning the game with complete control, ending Luton’s run of scoring in 18 league matches in a row.
Focus can now turn to a trip to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday when Arsenal will surely face a much tougher test.
That being said, it will be interesting to see if any of those players who were handed a chance last night, did enough to keep their spot in the XI for Brighton.
And judging by Rob Edward’s words in his press conference after last night’s game, Emile Smith Rowe would be straight into the XI again were it up to him.
Edwards spoke so glowingly of the 23-year-old after the game, a player he worked with for England.
Rob Edwards says it’s unfortunate that Emile Smith Rowe doesn’t play for Arsenal more often
Edwards clearly understood the level of competition Smith Rowe was facing at Arsenal, but still called the situation ‘unfortunate’.
Recalling a story he doubted Smith Rowe remembered, Edwards said: “He’s a really good player.
“I was lucky enough, he probably won’t remember this, but I did a few camps with him with the under-20s when I was working at the FA. And I thought he was outstanding.
“We played Portugal, we won 1-0 in Portugal and he was brilliant. So I’ve always been a big admirer of his.
“Yeah, I thought he was very good. He’s a top player. They’ve got a lot of players here. And it’s just unfortunate they’ve not been able to get in. But I think he’s an exceptional player.”
Should Arsenal sell Emile Smith Rowe this summer?
Of course, Smith Rowe’s future is going to be a huge topic of the coming summer, regardless of how many games he plays for Arsenal before the end of the season.
So many fans at the Emirates would be devastated to see such a rich Hale End talent leave, but it may ultimately be for the best.
As much no one from an Arsenal point of view wants Smith Rowe to go, he simply isn’t getting the minutes he needs.
And unless something drastically changes in the next month or so, there’s no reason to believe things will improve next season either.
All that being said, Arsene Wenger recently compared one of Emile Smith Rowe’s teammates to Dennis Bergkamp.