To be honest, it's still early days and I don't want to be too judgemental because he's only started 4 games for us. He looked very sharp to begin with, and seemed like he'd link up well with the other 3 attackers. But the last 2 games, he's been abject (can maybe give him a free pass for the City game, as he's never had to play a side of that quality nor was he the worst player on the pitch).
Tonight though, I really wanted him to showcase his qualities and prove to us why he's so highly regarded. Sadly, he put in a pathetic performance. Didn't want to take responsibility, kept passing it every time he received it, no intent to take players on or carry the ball forward, which is what he was doing initially, and he rarely got into the box. There was just no aggression or conviction in anything he tried today, including his off the ball work.
I'll give him more time, but right now, it's been a mixed start.
I'm more concerned at the fact we're relying on a 19-year old in Saka to single-handedly save us every week. Smith-Rowe has gone off the boil but this is his first proper run in the Arsenal team, so it's understandable. However, no-one else is taking the baton over.
What makes it all the more frustrating is that Arteta is ostracising Pepe (who was in decent form before being dropped for no reason) and Martinelli (who's been back from injury for two months now) by underutilising them, whilst simultaenously over utilising other players.
His squad management has been poor. He got out of jail tonight, but it doesn't bode well for the rest of the campaign.
. We'd be idiots to go for that, but knowing us, we probably will. He put in a disgraceful performance tonight, along with Odegaard.
