Whilst all the focus for Arsenal currently rests on the transfer pursuit of Mykhaylo Mudryk, there are other areas of the squad in need of attention. With Gabriel Jesus out, there is only Eddie Nketiah as a natural cover for the centre-forward role and in midfield the problem is broader.
Arsenal have started Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey in the majority of their Premier League matches. The depth in the deep midfield and left central-midfield roles exists but lacks a competitive edge.
For Partey, Mohamed Elneny has returned after a considerable amount of time out with a hamstring injury. Whilst Albert Sambi Lokonga deputised in Partey’s brief absence, his best position is where Xhaka currently plies his trade.
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Mikel Arteta has used Fabio Vieira in the midfield on occasion with varying levels of success. Coming on for Xhaka away at Wolves, Vieira progressed into the game and proved vital in helping the Gunners to all three points.
Yet the return of one player, in particular, this winter could hand the Spaniard a greater option of quality and rotation now that things in the team have changed. According to The Athletic, Emile Smith Rowe is expected to return for the match against Oxford in the FA Cup.
Although his breakout in the senior side came on the left wing, Smith Rowe has proven to be a versatile option. Arteta has even backed the England international to provide competition even in the centre-forward role.
However, Xhaka perhaps could prove to be the main player that benefits from Smith Rowe’s return. Arteta has drastically changed the left-sided central midfield role from a deeper position occupied by Xhaka to a style that is much similar to that of his Switzerland responsibilities.
Xhaka plays much more offensively now and has seen a marked response to this with four goals and four assists in all competitions already this season. He often takes up a position supporting Gabriel Martinelli and thus the role of the left-winger has also changed.
When Smith Rowe played on the left for Arsenal he tended to cut inside much more instead of hugging the touchline like Martinelli. Now, Xhaka is taking up many of the similar positions to Smith Rowe prior to losing his place on the left.
This is proven by the two below heat maps. The left shows Emile Smith Rowe’s season in 2021/22 where he played the majority of matches on the left flank, compared to Granit Xhaka’s positioning shown on the right for the 2022/23 season so far.
Using this, in theory, Smith Rowe could therefore be deployed in Arsenal’s left central midfield role. Granted, defensively he would have to do more; however, he could also bring more threat to the Gunners’ attack in games where they are in need of a goal.
Arteta had very little offensive option from his bench to call upon against Newcastle. With Smith Rowe back, there is hope he will have more keys to unlock his opponents.
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