Arsenal vs Manchester United: 4 big selection decisions

4. Emile Smith Rowe or Gabriel Martinelli?

Emile Smith Rowe was excellent at Stamford Bridge. One of his best performances in a while.

Every time he received the ball he was looking to do something positive with it. His first touch was back to its elegant best, whether that be cushioning a ball from the air or laying off a pass to a teammate, and his intention was always to get forward, stretch the pitch and take his man on.

The goal was a finish made to look easy. It wasn’t. Running onto the ball with pace meant he could easily have got it stuck underneath him, yet he had the presence of mind to catch everyone off guard – especially Mendy – and elegantly caress it into the bottom corner. It was a goal his performance deserved.

It was a showing that quickly quietened those unhappy with Martinelli not starting. It was actually quite surprising that the Brazilian was on the bench. He did play an important role when he came on as he posed a different threat through the middle, and he’ll be vying for involvement on Saturday just like his teammate.

The emphasis against United will be to press on them high and unsettle their defence. Someone of Martinelli’s excellent pressing could be a huge factor, but then so could Smith Rowe’s more effective counter-pressing. Raw pace in the forward line that Martinelli offers, or greater technical security in small spaces that Smith Rowe offers?

Having scored at Chelsea, surely he has to keep his place.

Prediction: Smith Rowe starts with Martinelli on the bench