‘Had a clear chance’: Arteta names the Arsenal player who really should’ve scored last night

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wasn’t pleased with his side’s performance against Crystal Palace last night and all of his players, including Emile Smith Rowe, would’ve been disappointed.

The 21-year-old Englishman returned to the starting eleven on the left flank in place of Gabriel Martinelli. That was a surprise to many, but considering that the Brazilian was away in South America on international duty, it made sense.

Smith Rowe, much like most Arsenal players last night, didn’t have a great game. He found himself in some good positions at times but just couldn’t have the kind of impact that he would’ve liked.

The youngster had a golden opportunity at one point in the second half from close range. Sadly, his shot was weak and just rolled into the path of the goalkeeper. Arteta felt that had to go in.

• ‘Not so many’: Gary Neville mocks Arsenal fans with nine-word tweet after defeat against Palace last night

Mikel Arteta: Emile Smith Rowe missed a clear chance

Speaking after the disappointing defeat against Crystal Palace last night, Arteta was asked if the result was down to his side missing chances in front of goal.

He said, as per Arsenal.com: “Today there were too many things that went wrong at the same time.

“There are a few examples – Emile had a clear chance before that as well which would have made it 2-1, Bukayo had another one and then Eddie hit the post.

“But, overall, the performance didn’t deserve the win or to get something out of the game, we have to be honest with ourselves.”

• ‘Earn the right’: Arteta delivers brutally honest verdict on Arsenal’s ‘unacceptable’ performance last night

TBR View:

Smith Rowe has been in fine goalscoring form this season and Arteta expected him to bury that opportunity. Had he done that, the Gunners would’ve been right back in the game and may even have picked up a point.

Sadly for them, it wasn’t meant to be.

Arsenal have to find a way to recover now. The fact that they have a game in hand over Tottenham is a good thing and if they win that, last night’s loss will not matter too much.

However, if they dwell on the disappointing result and refuse to pick themselves up, things could get ugly real soon.

• ‘Every time’: TalkSPORT pundit suggests £8m player simply isn’t good enough to play for Arsenal