Arsenal: 4 talking points from magnificent comeback win over Leicester

Emile Smith Rowe Injury the Only Downside

While the rotation worked wonders in not seeing a drop off in performance, the issue befalling Emile Smith Rowe put a dampener on what was an otherwise perfect afternoon.

Those who were left out of the side were chosen to for valid reasons. Martin Odegaard had started four matches in 12 days building up to Sunday, and given Smith Rowe didn’t see out the game in Athens, his inclusion was inevitable in place of the Norwegian.

"Arteta told the official Arsenal website after the game: “I’m concerned because for Emile to come out and say, ‘I cannot continue playing’… It should be something related to his hip. I don’t know how bad he is but he was in a good place after the game.”"

As unwelcome as it is, there has been an air of inevitability about Smith Rowe’s fitness. He’s suffered from niggles for most of his career, and given the sheer volume of fixtures he has been involved in since Christmas, as well as the visible tiredness in latter stages of matches, a setback of sorts felt more like a ‘when’ rather than an ‘if’.

This is precisely why Odegaard was brought in. Smith Rowe suffering an injury is a blow for club and player, but the inclusion of a player who can operate in his position with his own differing skill set means the club won’t be hamstrung for the period he remains absent.

While awaiting the diagnosis, Arsenal are in safe hands until his return.