Arteta challenges Smith-Rowe to prove why he deserves a starting spot

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Mikel Arteta challenges Emile Smith-Rowe to prove why he deserves to break into Arsenal’s first team – as the out-of-favour star prepares for his first start of the season against Brentford

  • Arsenal take on Brentford in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday night 
  • Emile Smith-Rowe is set to make his first start of the campaign against the Bees 
  • Mail Sport’s new WhatsApp Channel: Get the breaking news and exclusives here 

Mikel Arteta has challenged Emile Smith Rowe to prove he deserves to break into the Arsenal starting XI.

The 23-year-old midfielder was linked to Chelsea over the summer after spending much of last season on the bench with his future at the club in doubt.

But he will start for the first time this campaign on Wednesday as Arteta rings the changes for the Gunners’ Carabao Cup tie against Brentford.

Arteta said: ‘There’s been many reasons why he hasn’t started a match. He was out for a long, long time.

‘In the last two matches he’s played more minutes and tomorrow (today) he will have a big chance to show that he can play at this level and be a really important player for us.

Emile Smith-Rowe is set to make his first start of the season against Brentford on Wednesday 

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Mikel Arteta has urged the midfielder to make the most of the opportunity in the Carabao Cup

‘He needs time on the pitch and he needs opportunities and we want to provide that to him. Then he needs to prove it like anybody else on the field that he deserves to play.’ 

Asked if the club ever considered letting Smith Rowe leave, Arteta added: ‘No. He needs to be a big part of this team going forward.

‘A player of that talent, who has come through our system. That is what we want to do. Now he needs the minutes and he needs to prove that he can do what he can do.’

The manager confirmed Bukayo Saka will miss out after suffering a knock against Tottenham, but could face Bournemouth this Saturday.

Smith-Rowe, 23, has only claimed a singular Premier League appearance so far this campaign


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