‘For me’: Tony Adams names the Arsenal player Mikel Arteta has mistreated this season; says he deserved more ‘air time’
Tony Adams, a former Arsenal icon, has expressed his disapproval of Mikel Arteta’s failure to rotate the squad adequately throughout the season. Adams further recommended that Emile Smith Rowe should have been given more playing time.
Arteta has consistently relied on Martinelli and Saka on the wings, but as the season progressed, it seemed evident that their performance waned, ultimately resulting in Manchester City clinching the title.
The recent defeat against Nottingham Forest has added to Arsenal’s string of disappointments, and Adams, speaking on Sky Sports, holds Arteta responsible for the team’s struggles.
Tony Adams wants Emile Smith Rowe to play more
In a post-match interview with Jamie Carragher and the Sky Sports team, Tony Adams expressed his evident frustration with Arsenal’s recent performances under Mikel Arteta.
The legendary Gunners player asserted that Emile Smith Rowe, who was once again left on the bench, deserved more opportunities to contribute to the team. Adams’ remarks suggest that he believes Smith Rowe’s involvement could have positively impacted Arsenal’s recent struggles.
“We’ve depended on Martinelli and Saka for most of the season. To give them a rest now and again. They could have given Emile a bit more air time for me. He could have subbed Martinelli and let him play off the left-hand side,” Adams said.
“Just because we’re always going to need them. We need them to get over the line. I’ve been waiting for the errors to come and they weren’t coming. Everything was stable. We had it going on. But as soon as the resources, a couple of injuries, people lost their form, it just didn’t work. I think it’s been lost three months ago.”
Arsenal’s requirements extend beyond just improving the quality and depth of their squad. In addition, it is crucial for Mikel Arteta to effectively utilize the available depth in his team.
As the summer approaches, the Gunners face a pivotal period where it is essential for them to acquire the right players to strengthen their squad.
Despite their commendable performance this season, Tony Adams’ viewpoint aligns with the need for increased rotation within the team.
He suggests that Emile Smith Rowe, in particular, had the potential to make a significant contribution if given more opportunities. This implies that Arsenal could have benefited from utilizing their resources more effectively throughout the season.
‘For me’: Tony Adams names the Arsenal player Mikel Arteta has mistreated this season; says he deserved more ‘air time’