Now if he can play like that for the rest of the season (or at least be as up for it and as direct and confident) then we could have a real player on our hands.
i am a bit worried about losing our Nigerian boys for AFCON so a good Emile will be a great help
Smith-Rowe does not have to work technically or in the reading of the game he is naturally gifted. What holds him back is he lacks a yard of pace and consistency.
Personally I think he offers more in the 10 role than King but fully understand why King has been favoured in front of him since season started. I just wonder if King could be adapted to more box to box type? Physically not there yet but that will come. Would give us a different dynamic in this area.
Silva said about playing king and ESR in the 1st team together,but didn't say when, thought it would be when king has matured physically and more experienced.
Thought he was Man of Match last night along with Chuk.
And his was Goal of the Match.
Made so many runs off their back line but his teammates didn't see him or weren't on his wavelength.
Iwobi is the one player who is on Smith-Rowe's wavelength and links up like poetry with him. Big shame Alex is off to the AFCON soon. ESR will suffer.
Also thought it was a shame Silva took him off for King (who's been excellent TBF)
Just that ESR has got that nous and goal threat that King lacks (so far)
Who knows, would we have equalised with Smith-Rowe still on the pitch at 90 mins?
We'll never know.
Also would like to see ESR and King both in the team one day but I think Marco has his doubts they can play together.
What's clear from the first half yesterday though is that Berge and Lukic together in midfield is too passive.
Quote from: hovewhite on December 03, 2025, 07:40:46 PMSilva said about playing king and ESR in the 1st team together,but didn't say when, thought it would be when king has matured physically and more experienced.
During AFCON season would be perfect.
He seemed to be dropping much deeper to get the ball and influence the game . He looked very comfortable there . Could he be the No.8 while iwobi is away ?