The start to this season has proven to be an extremely positive one for Arsenal following the 3-0 thumping of Fulham.
However, there were one or two surprise announcements in the starting line-up just an hour before kick-off. Nicolas Pepe was left out of the attack in which he thrived in towards the back end of last year. He was replaced by the experienced Willian, who did more than enough to warrant his selection with his performance.
The selection poses an interesting question. If the Ivorian is unsure of a starting berth, where does that leave Emile Smith-Rowe?
'I’m pleased by what I’ve seen from him'
The Croydon-born youngster is proving to be an interesting subject with less than 20 days left in the transfer market.
He enjoyed a successful loan spell in the second half of last season, appearing 19 times for Huddersfield Town.
They proved to be fruitful appearances as the 20-year-old scored twice and notched up three assists to help the Terriers retain the second division status.
Arteta was full of praise for the England youth international back in July, claiming his performances had left him in good stead ahead of this season.
He told Sky Sports: “I’m pleased by what I’ve seen from him. He needed that exposure and he looks more mature now."
“I think he will be in a much better place when he comes back in pre-season.”
A second loan spell away is needed
To be extremely honest, it is very hard to see where Smith-Rowe fits into this current Gunners' side.
Taking a look at it from a tactical standpoint provides greater clarity as to why he needs a third loan spell away from the club.
Arteta seems to be favouring a 3-4-3 formation at this moment in time, meaning just three attackers make it into the starting XI. With a raft of experienced stars like Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, Willian and Pepe all ahead of the youngster in the pecking order, he is unlikely to feature.
And with the former Manchester City assistant manager having labelled the youth player an 'attacking midfielder' with 'very specific qualities', it would be fair to assume a 4-2-3-1 formation would suit the player best, so he could slot into the number 10 position.
But, the acquisition of the former Chelsea attacker means he would be a more experienced and suitable option should the formation be switched mid-season.
Arteta seems to think so too with ESPN reporting that the Spaniard could be tempted into using the Brazilian in a more creative role just behind the striker.
At just 20-years-old, the midfielder has plenty of time to break into the team in north London. A loan spell away is exactly the right move for Smith-Rowe, who could gain some useful experience especially if he's sent out to a relegation-threatened Premier League side.