Emile Smith Rowe forces change to Mikel Arteta's striker plans after Arsenal's win vs Brentford

Emile Smith Rowe’s excellent performance against Brentford could force Mikel Arteta to reconsider his striker situation, ahead of the next Premier League match against Wolves.

Smith Rowe was excellent on Saturday afternoon having come into the starting lineup to replace Gabriel Martinelli, who was suspended due to his red card in the previous Premier League match.

The Englishman topped off his quality performance against Brentford with an excellent solo goal in the second half, which should make him a certainty to start in the next match.

Martinelli has been excellent in recent weeks, so if Arteta wants to start both youngsters then the striker position could be the best option for the Brazilian.

Alexandre Lacazette currently occupies the forward role, however, he did not have the greatest performance against the Bees, and often failed to link up with the rest of the squad.

The Frenchman is yet to score in 2022 and has been guilty of missing chances he should be converting, meaning Arteta will need to address the forward situation sooner rather than later.

Smith Rowe’s statement display against Brentford should push Arteta into starting Martinelli as a striker against Wolves.

The Gunners already teased that Martinelli would be used as a striker during Arsenal’s recent winter camp.

The official Twitter account posted a video on social media captioned “serious finishing” with the fire emoji next to it, and Martinelli is the first player on the video to score a goal.

The Brazilian already played in a more central forward role earlier this season during the Gunners' 2-0 defeat against Chelsea at the Emirates stadium.

However, his lack of impact in that match should not cloud over decision to play him there in the