You are not a kid anymore’: Arsenal fans name one ‘useless’ player who has to improve his decision-making More on Tribuna.com: https://tribuna.com/en/blogs/2025-01-07-you-are-not-a-kid-anymore-arsenal-fans-name-one-u/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=oksc&utm_campaign=afcen?utm_source=copy

“In the heart of North London, the roar of the Arsenal supporters echoed through the stands at the Emirates Stadium. For years, Arsenal had been a club in transition, moving between the highs and lows of competitive football. But the fans remained loyal, passionate, and unwavering in their support. They were more than just spectators; they were the pulse of the team.

However, a growing frustration had begun to build among them. They had seen flashes of brilliance, moments of magic, but there was one player who seemed to consistently fall short when it mattered most. This player had immense talent, no doubt. His skill on the ball, his vision, and his ability to take on defenders were undeniable. But there was one thing that fans could not ignore—his decision-making.

The player in question was **Emile Smith Rowe**.

Smith Rowe was a product of Arsenal’s famed youth academy, and fans had watched him rise through the ranks with great anticipation. His debut in the first team had come with great fanfare, and for a time, he seemed like the answer to the club’s midfield woes. He had the flair of a young talent eager to make a mark, but as the seasons passed, some supporters began to feel he was yet to mature into the player they had hoped he would become.

Every Arsenal fan knew that football was a game of decisions—decisions that could make or break a match. In moments of attack, Smith Rowe would often find himself in dangerous positions but hesitate, overcomplicate things, or make the wrong pass. He was brilliant in moments of brilliance, but when it came to game-changing decisions, the sharpness of his mind often dulled. Whether it was choosing when to shoot, when to pass, or how to position himself, the inconsistencies in his decision-making became glaringly obvious.

One evening, after a particularly frustrating 1-1 draw with a mid-table team, the Arsenal faithful had had enough. As the final whistle blew, a wave of collective frustration swept through the stands. Fans took to social media, venting their opinions with a single hashtag that quickly trended: **#UselessSmithRowe**. The sentiment was clear: the time for potential was over. “You’re not a kid anymore,” some of the posts read. “If you want to be part of this Arsenal team, you need to step up and show maturity in your decisions.”

In the aftermath, Arsenal fans were divided. Some still backed Smith Rowe, arguing that the young midfielder needed time and support to reach his full potential. But others, particularly the more impatient voices, were adamant that he had the tools, but it was his decision-making that let him down consistently.

The criticism wasn’t cruel; it was rooted in a desire to see a talented player grow into the next Arsenal great. Fans wanted to believe in him, but they needed more than just promise—they needed results. “At this level, it’s not enough to show glimpses of greatness,” one fan tweeted. “You have to be decisive, ruthless even.”

The call for improvement was clear: **mature in your decision-making**, or risk being left behind in an increasingly competitive league.

Smith Rowe, ever the professional, acknowledged the criticism. His social media was flooded with messages of support from fans urging him to work on his decision-making. He knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy, but he was determined. The whispers of doubt, the comparisons to other stars, and the pressure of expectation weighed on him, but he took it as a challenge.

During the next season, he worked tirelessly with Arsenal’s coaches, focusing on improving his decision-making under pressure. Slowly but surely, there were signs of growth. He started to show more composure in the final third, making smarter passes, taking more calculated shots, and positioning himself in areas that could unlock defenses. Fans began to notice the improvements, and though some remained skeptical, the hope was reignited.

One magical evening, in a crucial London derby against Chelsea, Smith Rowe’s growth became evident. In the 85th minute, with the score level at 1-1, he picked up the ball in the middle of the park, sprinted past a Chelsea defender, and, instead of rushing, he coolly slid a perfectly weighted pass to a teammate who slotted the ball into the net for a late winner. The Emirates erupted, but it was Smith Rowe’s calmness and maturity in that moment that stood out most to the fans.

“You’re not a kid anymore,” they chanted in unison. “Welcome to Arsenal’s future.”

From that day on, Emile Smith Rowe no longer felt the weight of being just a “kid” on the field. Instead, he was a man, ready to make the big decisions that would define his career—and the future of Arsenal Football Club.