Mikel Arteta already has an Arsenal player who causes ‘more threat than Havertz’

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Arsenal romped to a 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace yesterday, but it was another quiet game in midfield for Kai Havertz.

The German has been disappointing in an advanced number eight role, as he has failed to replace Granit Xhaka’s ability to progress the ball.

Despite Arsenal scoring five yesterday, at times they were still not attacking with much fluency, and Havertz made little contribution going forward.

He was then substituted for Emile Smith Rowe, who was greeted with loud cheers by the Emirates crowd, and the 23-year-old was superb in his cameo off the bench.

Smith Rowe was recently linked with a loan move away, but the Arsenal fanbase are keen on keeping him, and believe that he should now be given more chances in midfield.

Emile Smith Rowe deserves more opportunities at Arsenal

Havertz and Leandro Trossard have both been picked ahead of the Englishman this season, and both have regularly dropped disappointing performances.

Smith Rowe has often been given ridiculously short substitute appearances, where he is not afforded enough time to make an impact, and many believed that he should have started against Crystal Palace.

However, he did perform well off the bench, and it should now be clear to Mikel Arteta that Smith Rowe offers a lot more to Arsenal’s attack than Havertz from midfield.

Smith Rowe’s quick passing and movement saw Arsenal improve going forward after his introduction, and Gabriel Martinelli also looked back to his best with more space on the left side to score twice in injury time.

Emile Smith Rowe is more direct than Kai Havertz

Football.London praised Smith Rowe for his display, and claimed that he was “decent in the middle where his presence caused more threat than Havertz prior to him.”

It is clear that Arsenal attack better with him in the team than with Havertz, and it is now time for him to be given a regular run in the team.

However, with a tough trip to Nottingham Forest coming up before hosting Liverpool, Arteta might have to bring in Jorginho to tighten up his midfield, and Smith Rowe may have to wait even longer to start a game.

If Martinelli is to continue on the bench despite his brace, then Smith Rowe could line up as a left-winger, but fans want to see him given a chance to nail down a midfield role which could see Arsenal attack with more urgency with his attacking flair in the side.