Mikel Arteta must beware his Emile Smith Rowe strategy amid Arsenal heroics

Mikel Arteta has got Arsenal firing, with the Gunners claiming a dominant win over Leeds United on Saturday evening to move four points clear of fifth-place West Ham.

A Gabriel Martinelli double, combined with goals from Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, was enough to hand Arteta's men all three points at Elland Road.

They had a minor scare when Ben White made a clumsy tackle on Joe Gelhardt to allow Raphinha to pull a goal back from the penalty spot, but the visitors ultimately did enough to see out the win.

It was an important win, with Arsenal's trip to Leeds being one of just four Premier League games taking place this weekend due to outbreaks of Covid-19 among several squads.

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But it was a victory that has also highlighted a problem that is rapidly becoming apparent for the Gunners boss.

Arteta has seemingly settled on his preferred starting line-up, with the Spaniard not changing the XI for four successive matches.

That has forced Smith Rowe to be content with a place on the bench, though he has continued to push for a way back into Arteta's plans.

After failing to play against either Everton or Southampton, the young Englishman has now come off the bench to score a win-sealing goal in two consecutive matches.

He played the final 24 minutes in the clash with West Ham, finishing off a superb counter-attack to score from outside the box.

Despite that impact, Martin Odegaard retained his place in the line-up in attacking midfield for the trip to Elland Road.

Despite Arsenal cruising to another victory, Smith Rowe was only brought on for the last 12 minutes against Marcelo Bielsa's side.

With the Whites threatening to make an unlikely comeback, the substitute was brought on for goalscorer Saka.

That move came three minutes after Raphinha's penalty to make the score 3-1, but Smith Rowe soon produced a brilliant half-volley to dash those hopes.

Arteta's strategy with Smith Rowe is now causing him major headaches, with Odegaard also playing well.

Smith Rowe only signed a new contract in the summer and having been handed the number 10 shirt, he would have expected to be a key player.

That has not transpired though and with his talent obvious, Arteta must beware his current strategy if he wants to keep the youngster happy.

If he cannot find a way to hand Smith Rowe substantially more game-time, the Gunners boss could leave himself vulnerable to player he was so desperate to keep in the summer.

Following his latest goalscoring performance, Arteta hinted that the attacking midfielder was showing the attributes that the Arsenal boss is looking for.

"[Emile Smith Rowe has scored] seven in the league which is a remarkable figure. We wanted him to add it to his game," he told BBC Sport.

Arteta must now reward Smith Rowe for his recent performances to ensure that his strategy does not result in a departure for the 20-year-old.