Even when he was on the operating table he was never behind Viera for me.
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Big fan of Mr. Smith-Rowe. Can’t see him in the eight though.
Harsh. :rambo:
That’s what I was going for.
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No way they rule out bringing in someone for the position for his benefit.
Would be brainless.
He’ll be a serviceable central midfielder.
For Aston Villa.
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He’s a top player. Was better than Saka last season. I fail to believe that his form has just fallen off a cliff.
I reckon he might be surplus to Arteta’s requirements which would be a massive shame.
I agree, he has massive potential if he can find his feet again.
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The midfield/Xhaka role is more demanding physically… be honest, doubt he can do that.
lots of hustle, lots of tackles…
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One of Xhaka’s biggest plusses is his availability. He rarely gets injured.
Can’t see ESR being consistently available the way Xhaka has.
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Yeah, I don’t see the future for him running back alongside DM. Strengths lie in finding space and turning to run at defenders. I still hope he’ll be doing that next season - it’s too rare a skill
Well Villa will be in Europe next season so he’ll have tons of games.
Agree with this. It is extremely difficult to imagine ESR playing the Xhaka role given his problems with fitness, even before his injury.
But if Arteta thinks he has potential as #8, then am sure he’s made ESR aware of the commitment and dedication it will take for him to get to the fitness levels required to play that role. I am skeptical about it but I hope it works out for him.
I don’t think Mikel sees ESR replacing any of our 4 attacking first team options. I also don’t think ESR will be happy playing a bit part role when one of them is injured so replacing Xhaka might be the only way forward for him.
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For whatever reason, I hope it is not because we are being cheap ass again and hope someone from within to fill Partey’s position.
Did we get to see him injury free? My understanding was that he had essentially been carrying the underlying issue for a couple years, so even during his best performances.
Yeah, I remember reading that as well. Seems stupid to let him play with an injury for that long, knowing it was hindering him. Anyway, hope to see the best of him next season.
RIP this man’s Arsenal career.
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He looked fat and slow. Must be on the Maltesers and fish finger diet again.
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Thought I was the only one who noticed.
It was like he was running in sand.