Arsenal talent is fast becoming the new Smith Rowe

It wasn’t a memorable night for Arsenal, but the club got over the line and booked their place in Tuesday’s League Cup semi-final.

Granted, they needed a penalty shootout to do so, but the Premier League and Champions League leaders were by far the better team throughout the game and would have won by a considerable margin had they been wearing shooting boots.

Therefore, it can be said that there were quite a few starters who are usually on the bench and should be competing for a starting spot this weekend.

However, there was one glaring omission from the team. That someone definitely has to leave Arsenal to avoid becoming the next Emile Smith Rowe.

Which Arsenal stars have competed?

Starting at the back of the table, Miles Lewis-Skelly will definitely have to maintain his place in the side if Pierrot Hincapie is ruled out for the weekend.

Yes, there were a few moments where he lost the ball, but overall Hale Ender was calm, confident and relaxed on the ball, and more importantly, he once again demonstrated the passing and carrying ability that makes him a special player.

Mikel Arteta, moved to the middle of the park, gave Christian Norgaard a rare start and the Denmark international more than repaid his manager.

The former Brentford captain played the full 101 minutes and, while not as flashy as Martin Zvimendi or as explosive as Declan Rice, brought real calm to the midfield.

For example, he had 87 touches, won 3 out of 4 ground battles, 3 clearances, won 3 out of 5 aerial battles, recovered the ball 8 times, and was not dribbled through.

Finally, Gabriel Martinelli has been underwhelming from the start in recent weeks, but against Crystal Palace he turned back a few years and looked like the winger who took the league by storm in 2022/23.

Former Ituano treasure Jaydee Cambot was shadow chasing in the first half but could have been just as dangerous after the break had it not been for the knock he suffered towards the end of the first 45.

In just 59 minutes of play, the Brazilian completed three dribbles, created two big chances, played five important passes and won four of the seven ground battles.

But while Arteta gave several players a chance to prove their worth against Palace, he left out someone who could become the club’s next Smith Rowe.

Arsenal star in danger of becoming the new Smith Rowe

When Smith Rowe first joined Arsenal’s first team, there were high hopes and expectations that he would become one of the club’s key players in the future, alongside Bukayo Saka.

After all, he had a sensational 21/22 season, which was his best season for the club, with 11 goals and 2 assists in 37 appearances.

However, injuries prevented him from making much of an impact on the team for the next two seasons, and when he finally got fit, the team was moving forward and challenging for titles without him.

Eventually, it became clear that he would not play a significant role in the team and was sold to Fulham.

Now, it’s not going to be on the same path and it’s pretty far from that happening in any capacity, but it’s not hard to see Ethan Nwaeli taking a similar path.

After all, the “phenomenal” Hale Ender, described by former pro Stephen Warnock, played a vital role in the team last season, scoring nine goals and registering two assists in 37 appearances, but will not be on the pitch this season.

The 18-year-old has played 11 games this season, playing just 446 minutes for the first team, with just three of those starts.

Therefore, it would undoubtedly be best for all parties to acquire the teenage sensation for him to leave in January, as it is clear that he is not going to get many game appearances as the season progresses.

Now, before Pitchfork and the Torch come out, he should be on short-term loan to a team where he gets the minutes he needs on a regular basis, rather than a permanent transfer.

This will greatly accelerate the youngster’s development and hopefully give him more appearances at the Emirates next season, giving him more chances to fulfill his incredible potential.

After all, if Arteta doesn’t pick Nwaneri this season, Arsenal should let him go on loan, even if it’s to prevent him from becoming the next Smith Rowe.