Arsenal: Maybe Emile Smith Rowe is a solution after all

Arsenal’s win over Vorskla brought out the best in a lot of young players, Emile Smith Rowe included. So maybe he is a solution after all?

Arsenal strolled to a relatively easy win in Ukraine to top their Europa League group against FC Vorskla. Unai Emery fielded a team of youngsters, with only youngsters making substitute appearances as well.

Emile Smith Rowe was among those chosen, but he has been a regular in these midweek competitions, and he again proved why. It was his coolly taken goal that put the Gunners up early in the match, and it was his continual pressure that gave his side so much momentum driving into the opposing defense.

It was pretty perfect timing. I had just written about how Emile Smith Rowe isn’t really a solution yet. Meaning that we can’t count on him to be a fix to any senior team problems. But from what I saw against Vorskla – which was essentially just more of what we’ve seen in previous midweek fixtures – I’m starting to second guess myself.

Smith Rowe has proven to be a more than capable dribbler, even if that wasn’t on display in the Ukraine. He has proven to be bold and daring with his attacking play, unafraid to shoot and willing to take a chance.

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All positive things. He has also proven high energy and tenacious, which was most certainly on display against Vorskla, as he led the pitch in ball-winning plays.

However, he has also proven his biggest weakness – he is a bit loose with the ball. He was dispossessed three times against Vorskla alone. If he’s that loose against Vorskla, what happens against Premier League opposition?

While we can’t be sure, I don’t think it matters. Because right now the only alternative is Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who gave up the ball nine times all on his own against Bournemouth, while providing very little in return.

So if you want to start talking about if Smith Rowe can be a solution, all you have to do is pit him against Mkhitaryan – who would you rather give the chance to?

Honestly, I’m opting for Smith Rowe. He’s lesser known, younger, and has provided perhaps even more upside, while maintaining the same downside. But given his youth and the need for experience, wouldn’t you take that over continued and ineffective uses of Mkhitaryan?

That’s the question you have to answer. If you’d take Smith Rowe over Mkhitaryan, you’re not alone. And that would mean he can be a solution after all.