What really happened with Xhaka captain’s band as Arteta hints at new role for Smith Rowe
Despite the fact that Arsenal had just won a key match in the quest for the top four this season, the main talking topic on social media after the full time whistle was something that seemed very trivial in real time at the stadium.
As he was being replaced by Eddie Nketiah, Alexandre Lacazette handed the captain’s armband to his fellow attacker, who dashed onto the pitch to present it to Granit Xhaka, only to be ordered to keep it.
Sky Sports analyst Michael Dawson kicked things off by criticizing Xhaka’s refusal to accept the armband, before broadcasters around the world proceeded to circulate the film through social media channels, causing widespread uproar.
Piers Morgan, the high priest of frenzy, eventually jumped in, calling the series of events “Arsenal’s worst crisis” since Patrick Vieira’s departure.
Now, before Morgan becomes as enraged as the Arsenal shirts, let’s all take a moment to reflect on what transpired.
The ball was kicked out for a throw-in on the Gunners’ left touchline, where Kierney prepared to collect it. Following the pause in play, Mikel Arteta made his second change of the day, bringing on Nketiah to replace Lacazette.
As he walked off the pitch, the Frenchman began yelling at Tierney, pleading with him to come over and grab the armband, but the Scottish international could not hear him due to the standing ovation Lacazette was receiving from the Emirates for his performance.
As a consequence, Lacazette handed the armband to Nketiah, who in turn handed it to Tierney. However, with play ready to start, Arteta directed the England under-21 striker to go and stand in the centre forward position.
Nketiah then attempted to pass the armband to Xhaka, but the Swiss international could see that play was about to begin and advised his young comrade to keep it until the next pause in play.
Given his own rocky experience with the post, he most likely did not want to be seen taking over the leadership after Lacazette’s departure.
Play restarted, and Nketiah continued running around with the armband on until the next pause in play – an Arsenal throw in the attacking right hand side of the pitch – at which point he rushed back to Tierney, who took over as captain for the rest of the day.
After the game, Arteta stated that Tierney would be the next in line to captain the team, which might be a hint as to who will take up the job on a regular basis next season when Lacazette goes.
It is not necessary to question Xhaka’s devotion or leadership abilities, nor is this an unofficial confirmation of his upcoming departure to Roma. It was only a minor misunderstanding that spiraled out of control.
This actual hurricane in a teacup was blown almost absurdly out of proportion during the week when Storm Eunice pounded the UK.
Arsenal News: Emile Smith Rove New Role
While Arsenal made the most of their attacks on the right flank, their breakthrough came from the left flank.
After losing his starting berth in the Arsenal team to the in-form Gabriel Martinelli, Emile Smith Rowe has had to wait patiently in recent months.
It’s not as if that choice can’t be called into question. Martinelli has been fantastic since his return to the club, and he was arguably unjustly dismissed by Michael Oliver last time out against Wolves.
But, given his chance right away, Smith Rowe seized it, delivering a stunning low finish past David Raya, who had appeared unstoppable up until that moment.
It’s another another goal for the England international, who has now scored ten goals in a season for the first time since Cesc Fabregas.
“Wow!” When Smith Rowe was informed of his feat, he said. “To hear that is very remarkable. That signifies a lot, don’t you think? It has always been an ambition of mine to play for Arsenal, so hearing that means a lot to me.
He went on to say, “I’m buzzing.” “The goals are starting to trickle in now, but the three points today were the most crucial.”
The 21-year-old is starting to carry the goal threat he had throughout the Hale End set up to the largest stage now that he has been allowed the freedom to find his feet at senior level.
The earworm that is the “Saka and Emile Smith Rowe” shout was resonating around the Emirates at full time as the stadium DJ blasted out Status Quo’s Rockin’ all over the world, and Mikel Arteta revealed it’s a sound he enjoys hearing after the game.
“I realize that they adore that song, and that everyone likes that song because they were raised in our system,” the Spaniard explained.
“I’m extremely thrilled that we have guys that come in and take ownership of their roles and manage to win games for us, which is incredibly great at their age.”
The suggestion from Arteta here is that he considers the Hale End duo to be too essential to be dropped, but with Martinelli’s return, who will be left out?
Martin Odegaard is undoubtedly the finest player at the club right now, so you’ll have to come up with some creative ideas if you want to start the three of Martinelli, Saka, and Smith Rowe.
Arteta attempted playing Smith Rowe as a ‘false nine’ in last season’s Europa League semi-final against Villarreal, and while it didn’t work out that night, Smith Rowe’s growing confidence in front of goal, link-up ability, and positional knowledge suggest it’s something that may be revisited.
Dropping Alexandre Lacazette, who is presently the club captain and played a key part in winning the ball back in the build-up to Saka’s second goal, is not without criticism.
But, whatever Arteta accomplishes against Wolves on Thursday night, one of his most key offensive players will be dissatisfied.
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