Another good performance by the youngsters last night, coming home with a 3-0 win and top place guaranteed.
Emile Smith-Rowe once again impressed, scoring the opener and being wrongly denied a second. He was also involved in creating the situation for the penalty.
He has had 5 starts and 1 sub appearance this season, scoring 3 times. However, these have been restricted to the Europa League and League Cup.
So can he make the breakthrough into the PL team this season?
The players ahead of him are:
Leaving in the summer Aaron Ramsey.
Oft injured Mesut Ozil.
In form, but how long will it last, Alex Iwobi.
The yet to impress Henrik Mkhitaryan.
Usually a striker Pierre Emerick Aubameyang.
Long term injured and soon to be out of contract Danny Welbeck.
He always has competition from Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Joe Willock and Eddie Nketiah - the latter two also impressing in attacking roles last night.
January may also see us entering the transfer market to replace Welbeck, but that remains to be seen.
For me, he can't be far away from making his PL debut. With the busy Christmas period on us, rotation and injuries could soon be prevalent and ESR has put himself in a good position to be considered an option.
ESR breakthrough?
posted on 30/11/18
How old is he ? Looks about 15 years old.
posted on 30/11/18
18.
posted on 30/11/18
Smith Rowe your boat gently down the stream DD
posted on 30/11/18
I am surprised no one has made the Paul Merson comparison yet. I think their styles are very similar. I suppose Merson never really fulfilled his talent because of the white stuff and it was a while ago.
posted on 30/11/18
Willock, Nketiah and ESR were all impressive against an admittedly poor team. Nketiah certainly showed he has what it takes to replace Welbecks spot on the bench.
Bit worried about AMN though. He's playing well, but his future position is still up in the air. Hope his versatility doesn't count against him.
posted on 30/11/18
Regarding the question in the OP, I think there's too much competition ahead of ESR for him to make a breakthrough in the league. Be interesting to see what happens when we trim the squad.
posted on 30/11/18
Torreira and Guendouzi have made competition for CM very hard and I don't see AMN returning to the attacking wide role. Looks a lot harder for him now, the injury at the start of the season was a major setback.
posted on 30/11/18
comment by Tu Meke Nketiah (U3732)
posted 3 minutes ago
Regarding the question in the OP, I think there's too much competition ahead of ESR for him to make a breakthrough in the league. Be interesting to see what happens when we trim the squad.
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Is there? 5 players for 3 roles. Auba will get games as striker, Ramsey may play in midfield.
Obviously Emery can go to 343 and take one of those roles out. But I think there will be a chance that ESR (or Eddie/Joe) could step up over this hectic period.
posted on 30/11/18
I'm up for being surprised, but I think Emery just prefers experience and intensity in the league. I even think he will choose the likes of AMN (as a wide forward) ahead of him in the league as he is a more intense player.
posted on 1/12/18
You can never have enough central midfield players. The position requires a lot if intensity and tackling. That leads to injuries.
Emery is very different to Wenger. Wenger achieved his best results with a small core. Emery is different. He utilises the whole squad. That allows him to rest players but still maintain the intensity he demands. It is keeping us competitive in every tournament. Wenger often used to give up on competitions to maintain the edge in the premier league and FA Cup. I think Emery's use of the squad is excellent. Even better than Klopp and Pep.