Justice for Emile Smith-Rowe — Arsenal fans blast Arteta

Sometimes heroes end up being forgotten men or in the case of Emile Smith-Rowe, benched men. For the Arsenal fanbase, this slander is something they aren’t ready to let slide. 

It is never an easy job managing Arsenal. Win, you risk fans picking quarrels with one thing or another, lose; then you have an entire fanbase in flames.

The Arsenal fans are certainly picking up straws now aren’t they?

Well, this is what consistent winning does to a club’s fanbase after they have managed to net more goals than Manchester United’s entire premier league campaign this season, in the last 5 EPL fixtures.

However, this time, the Arsenal fans aren’t throwing shades at Mikel Arteta because of the result but for treatment of Emile Smith-Rowe in his team selection.

The Gunners showcased their dominance at Bramall Lane, with goals from Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, and Ben White securing another high-scoring away win.

Some heroes end up being benched after the war is won

However, amidst the celebratory atmosphere, discontent emerged from certain sections of the Arsenal faithful regarding Arteta’s choice of substitutions.

While players like Fabio Vieira, Thomas Partey, Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, and Cedric Soares were introduced, Emile Smith-Rowe remained on the bench for the entirety of the match.

Despite showing promise and contributing ten goals during the 2021/22 campaign under Arteta’s stewardship, the 23-year-old midfielder has struggled to secure regular minutes on the pitch.

Fans took to social media to express their disappointment, with one supporter stating,

“Free Emile Smith Rowe, it’s actually a joke that Cedric has been brought on before him.”

Another echoed similar sentiments, suggesting,

“He’s done with ESR isn’t he? His decisions over the last six months echo that.”

Speculation regarding Smith-Rowe’s future at Arsenal has intensified, with concerns raised about his potential departure in the upcoming summer transfer window to revive his career elsewhere.