Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has explained why Emile Smith Rowe has been in and out of the starting lineup in recent times.
Mikel Arteta said: “Well the main reason (behind) that was because he wasn’t completely fit to playm,” Arteta said when asked why Smith Rowe hasn’t been starting recently. He’s been carrying an issue, and that hasn’t allowed him to train regularly, to play regularly, and that was the main reason. Because in his performances, and what he did before that international break – there is no question that he was one of our more important and consistent players. The only reason that changed the dynamic was that – and obviously now that the team (has been) doing well, there are other players who are doing well, and have been performing well. That changed the situation, but I am very happy with him. This is why we need that, we raise the level. Each player raises the level of the player next to him, and this is how you evolve as a team. How you create a culture around the team, that when I get the opportunity I have to grab it. That a statement should be done on the pitch, and not talking or making comments, and when you have the opportunity, grab it. Then show how good you are, and then if you do that you continue playing.”
