Darren Bent has proposed that Mikel Arteta should consider relegating Kai Havertz to the bench and granting Emile Smith Rowe an opportunity within the Arsenal lineup.
Smith Rowe has grappled with consistent playing time since his return from injury, although he did make an appearance in the recent match against Brentford.
Bent argues that Smith Rowe deserves a chance to display his capabilities from the starting lineup, presenting a potential remedy for Arsenal’s midfield challenges.
During a discussion on Talk Sport, Bent emphasized Arteta’s seemingly short memory, harking back to the 2021/22 season when Smith Rowe, alongside Bukayo Saka, played pivotal roles in supporting Arteta when his job was at risk.
He underscored Smith Rowe’s significant contribution, particularly in terms of goal-scoring, notching ten Premier League goals in the mentioned season.
Although injuries hampered Smith Rowe’s performance in the subsequent season, Bent dismissed any doubts about Smith Rowe’s ability to perform at the top tier, describing such skepticism as unfounded.
Bent firmly asserted his preference for Smith Rowe over Havertz, citing the former’s historical value to the team and his notable ability to find the back of the net when Arsenal needed it most.
By choosing Smith Rowe over Havertz, Bent believes that Arteta could infuse creativity and efficiency into Arsenal’s midfield, potentially resolving the challenges that the team has been facing.
Bent’s viewpoint puts forth the notion that Smith Rowe’s inclusion can inject vitality and potency into Arsenal’s midfield, offering a tactical option that Arteta should consider in order to enhance the team’s performance.
