Once a key resource for manager Mikel Arteta (41-Spain), but overshadowed by frequent injuries, Emile Smith Rowe (23-Arsenal) has been given a chance to turn things around. He put in a decent performance in his first start in 499 days.
Smith Rowe started the Gunners’ English Football League (EFL) Carabao Cup third round away match against Brentford at 3:45 a.m. ET on Aug. 28 at the Gitek Community Stadium in Brentford, England. He played the full 82 minutes and helped his team to a 1-0 win.
It was Smith Rowe’s first start since May 17, 2022, in a league match against Newcastle United. Working lightly in the central midfield position, he created a couple of chances that went close to scoring before being replaced by Martin Ødegaard (25) in the 37th minute of the second half.
After the game, Smith Rowe said, “I changed my mindset a little bit. I’m just going to give it a go. I really have nothing to lose. I’ve been trying to change myself,” he said, “I had a lot of doubts. I used to question my confidence. But now I realize I’m in good shape and I’m accepting myself.”
After coming through Arsenal’s youth system, Smith Rowe emerged as a big name in the 2021/22 season, scoring 10 goals and providing two assists in 33 Premier League games. However, a groin injury limited his pre-season ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, while rival Gabriel Martinelli, 22, burst onto the scene. In the winter transfer window, Leandro Trosar (28) joined the team, adding more competition.
This is a very important season for him. If he doesn’t regain his place this season, he could find himself on the release list. To turn things around, Smith Rowe has focused on improving his mental game. Arteta helped him with that.아톰카지노
“Arteta helped me a lot,” he says. He helped me overcome my injury and we talked about how to improve mentally. When I couldn’t help my teammates on the pitch, I tried to support them as much as I could. It was really hard, but I’m stronger now,” he said.
He is determined to compete for opportunities in the future. “At a big club like Arsenal, there’s a lot of competition. “It’s always difficult to cement a place in the team,” he said. “It’s just extra pressure to keep working hard and fighting. You just have to keep believing in yourself.”
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