Arsenal V Fulham: Pictures
Arsenal, through Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu, have amassed a squad capable of challenging Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, but it has left a number of highly talented players on the sidelines with a lack of playing time. The Spanish boss was able to name a settled squad for the majority of last season, but it remains to be seen whether the Gunners will rotate more with the additional workload of Champions League football.
During the 2-2 draw with Fulham on Saturday, Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Magalhaes were named among the substitutes once again. The duo have not started any of Arsenal’s opening three Premier League games, as Arteta works to figure out his best team in order to challenge for silverware this season.
Gabriel and Smith Rowe were both left on the bench for the entirety of the game, as Arteta’s gamble backfired and they were unable to keep 10-man Fulham at bay, conceding a late goal to drop two points. In previous games, Gabriel had come off the bench to shore up the defence, but this time was absent as a late Joao Palhinha goal dented Arsenal’s hopes of continuing their perfect start.
Should either player feel that their chances of playing regularly this season are slim under Arteta, they could try their hand at leaving the Emirates before Friday’s deadline. Gabriel especially has had previous interest from Juventus and Saudi Arabia, while Smith Rowe has had his suitors in the Premier League.
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However, Arteta has been adamant that Gabriel will remain in north London even though he is yet to start a league game. When asked about the rumours suggesting that the defender could leave, he replied: “Nothing at all, it’s about games that we were expecting, how we were going to defend and attack and what I believe is the best thing.
“He’s played in both games and helped us to win both games for different reasons. He was really good today, he absolutely dominated the box when he came on and he’s going to play a lot of games. That’s the decision sometimes.”
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Arteta also revealed prior to the Fulham game that he spoke with Gabriel to explain his reasons for keeping the centre-back on the bench this season.
Arteta explained: “I don’t know if he understands but I told him. I think he understands the reason, whether he agrees or not, that’s something different.”
Earlier in the summer Smith Rowe pledged his short-term future to Arsenal, but admitted that regular playing time was something he valued highly. And it remains to be seen if his drive to play regularly could push him out the exit doors before the window slams shut.
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