Arsenal legend names forgotten Gunners star who could have helped title push

Tom Hancock

• 22 May 2023 16:31 BST
• 3 min read

Former Arsenal captain Tony Adams believes the Gunners should have made more use of Emile Smith Rowe this season, after they fell short of Premier League glory.

The midfielder has been linked with a summer move away from the Emirates Stadium, having featured only 11 times in the Premier League during an injury-hit 2022-23 – all of them as a substitute.

Adams feels that Smith Rowe, 22, ought to have seen more playing time towards the end of the campaign, though, as the Gunners’ title charge faltered.

READ: 'You will know' – Arsenal star promises fans MAJOR transfer news

Speaking to Sky Sports, Adams – who captained Arsenal to two Premier League titles under Arsene Wenger – suggested that a lack of rotation cost Mikel Arteta’s side, who saw their title dream mathematically ended by Saturday’s 1-0 loss at Nottingham Forest. The ex-England international said:

“We’ve depended on Martinelli and Saka for most of the season. To give them a rest now and again…

“They could have given Emile a bit more air time, for me. He [Arteta] could have subbed Martinelli and let him [Smith Rowe] play off the left-hand side.”

READ: EXCLUSIVE | Ilkay Gundogan’s Arsenal transfer hinges on contract detail

An Emery reunion on the cards?

What kind of role Arteta sees for Smith Rowe in his future plans is unclear, but Aston Villa are said to be keeping tabs on the Arsenal academy product – who was handed his Gunners debut by current Villa boss Unai Emery back in 2018.

After starring on loan for Huddersfield Town in the Championship in 2019-20, Smith Rowe established himself as a member of the Arsenal first team in 2020-21.

He played an even more integral role last season, during which he also made his senior international debut for England.

READ: Out of contract in 2023 – The best free agents available on a Bosman