Two seasons ago, Emile Smith Rowe looked like one of Arsenal’s best players but has been plagued by injuries ever since. With Gabriel Martinelli’s recent poor form on the left side of the Gunners attack, it seems right that the Hale End graduate should be given another chance.

Smith Rowe’s best season with Arsenal to date is the 2021/22 campaign which saw him net 10 goals in 33 Premier League appearances. Eight of these goals came whilst playing on the left wing, the position Martinelli has occupied in all of his league appearances this season.

It can be argued that Gabriel Martinelli’s form this season has been way below par, especially in comparison to last season. He has only netted twice in seventeen league games and is currently on a run of four games without a goal involvement.

The Brazilian has also only provided two assists so far this season so it’s not like he’s entirely making up for his lack of goals. Granted, a left winger isn’t expected to be the main source of goals but Martinelli should be offering a lot more when Arsenal lack a real goalscorer up front.

If Martinelli’s poor form is a good enough reason to give Emile Smith Rowe a chance in the lineup, then the constant links with a move away from the club should definitely be. It would be a major disappointment for Mikel Arteta to lose such a good talent with so much more potential, but it seems only a matter of time before that is demanded with such a lack of game time.

Looking at his stats, Smith Rowe has shown that his best position is probably out on the left and with Martinelli in poor form, it seems a no brainer to give him a chance. Granted, this Arsenal team is not the same as it was two seasons ago when Smith Rowe was at his best but Arteta really should give him a run in the team if he still believes he can make it at the club.

Gabriel Martinelli has also benefitted from being dropped from the starting eleven in the past having been dropped for Leandro Trossard at one stage last season before picking up his form again. This proves that not only will Smith Rowe benefit from a run in the team, but Martinelli will too.

Although this is a different Arsenal team to the one Smith Rowe played best in, it seems a win win situation for Mikel Arteta if he gives the midfielder a chance. Smith Rowe should benefit from a run in the team and Martinelli would be made to realise his form must be improved. Leandro Trossard is also an option on the left wing so if neither of the two make an impact, Arteta will have the Belgian to fall back on.

Smith Rowe has also done relatively well in his appearances as a substitute this season so a start against Fulham on Sunday should really act as a confidence booster. The Hale End graduate should be given the chance to shine against the Cottagers.