Arsenal: Has Emile Smith Rowe Changed the Complexion of January?

Emile Smith Rowe and Bruno Fernandes were mentioned in the same sentence after another sparkling performance for Arsenal. His third assist in the last five matches against Newcastle capped off another wonderful showing.

Since his season debut against Chelsea, only Bruno Fernandes (12) has created more chances than him (10). The Hale End graduate is flourishing in the No. 10 slot and Arsenal continue to reap the benefits.

During the winless league run in December prior to beating the Blues, Arsenal cried out for creativity; someone with an eye for the killer pass, to occupy the spaces in between midfield and attack.

Arsenal were linked to Emi Buendia of Norwich, who is leading the charge for his team’s promotion push. Such was the desperation that Arsenal fans saw him as the solution to all their problems, someone who would arrive at the Emirates and become the creative hub.

Emile Smith Rowe Needs Help but Arsenal Have Their Creative Linchpin

Buendia may be in glittering form, but considering the fact that Norwich are top of the table and harbour no desire to lose their star man for cheap, Arsenal would have had to fork out a large amount of cash to get him. Would it be worth it? Would he have united a dysfunctional team? That could only be answered if the move happened this January. It may still, but chances are slim.

Without the benefit of hindsight, wouldn’t it be wise to invest in such a crucial position after the season ends, when Arsenal have more freedom to pick their targets. Players crucial to their team would not be overpriced like they are in mid-season.

So when Emile Smith Rowe produces performances like he has, it only reinforces the belief that the search for permanent creativity is better put off until summer. By then, it would be more clear if Norwich would be willing to part with Buendia easily; Houssem Aouar will surely be leaving Lyon; Manor Salomon, an off-field but impressive choice, can be scouted more extensively.

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More importantly, Arsenal will have a half-season worth of metrics of Smith Rowe to go by. How he performs over an extended time will ultimately decide if an outright first-choice No. 10 is needed or a simply a competitor for him. Until now, he has shown it’s the latter. Long it may continue.

Investment is needed in that position. No doubt. However impressive the ‘Croydon De Bruyne’ may be, but he is only 20 years old with six Premier League starts under his belt. It would be too much pressure and expectation on him if Arsenal decide not to pursue another option for that position. Yet, in such incredible form, would another body have a negative impact?

What he will do with future chances will decide if Arsenal need to spend big on the heir to Mesut Ozil or not. If they needn’t, that extra money can be put to better use for other positions.

Hale End has provided the answer to Arsenal’s problems yet again. Of course, another No. 10 is needed, but for now, there is full belief in Smith Rowe.