Arteta slammed for starting this player ahead of Smith Rowe

Former Tottenham Hotspur striker, Darren Bent, has hit out at Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta for making use of out-of-form Kai Havertz over Emile Smith Rowe.

Arteta gave Smith Rowe his first start in 499 days during Arsenal’s recent Carabao Cup 1-0 win at Brentford.

The manager further claimed that the 23-year-old needs to prove himself at the Premier League level after his frustrating injury-hit 2022-2023 season.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Bent jumped to Smith Rowe’s defence, saying Arteta has short memory as he expressed his displeasure about the coach’s recent comments.

“I don’t get it. Arteta came out with something the other day and it actually quite annoyed me when he said that it is up to Smith Rowe to prove he can play at this level.

“It is almost like Arteta has got a bit of a short memory.

“I love Arteta as a manager, but back in the 2021/22 season, I think it was when his job was on the line. He was struggling a bit and who were the two that carried him through? [Bukayo] Saka and Smith Rowe, he got 10 league goals that season.

“Then the following season he had injuries and he’s been injury-hit ever since.”

He added, “But the fact to say, to see if Smith Rowe can play at this level, that is just crazy. I think if you are asking me who I would rather play right now, Havertz or Smith Rowe, Smith Rowe every day of the week.”