Arsenal attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe was named in the starting eleven by manager Mikel Arteta in the 3-1 win over Chelsea last night.
It was only the 20-year-old’s second league start but you wouldn’t have known that by the confidence he showed in possession as he helped the Gunners to a surprise victory at the Emirates.
Fans on Twitter were full of praise for Smith Rowe, who they compared to Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne, due to his ability to make things happen on the ball:
The future of Arsenal
— Afrocentric (@GichingiriEric) December 27, 2020
special young talent ?
— William ?? (@sabitzerszn) December 27, 2020
That guy was excellent, been watching him alot
— 2raw? (@mokob333) December 27, 2020
Miles ahead of Willock?
— Moecreates?️ (@moecreates01) December 27, 2020
Compared to willock he is absolute talent.. but we need more experienced player in this position
— احمد بن فهمى (@Gunnerian_Mando) December 27, 2020
We knew he was a baller back in Emery’s first season. So it should never have taken Arteta this long to start him since he returned from injury ages ago. You don’t waste talented young player’s for the u23s. He was ready for first team football for a while.
— Mr T (@TheScou97857166) December 27, 2020
Man’s just pulled down his socks turned into Jack Grealish
— ?Da Lil Baby Keem? (@SaiintPaulo) December 27, 2020
Our own version of Kevin D.
— ©⚽ⓂR (@cmjingux) December 27, 2020
He reminded me of grealish.
— Lee Parker (@leeparker342) December 27, 2020
KDB watches ESR comps before every city match.
— Kaunda (@sijijui_hata) December 27, 2020
Smith Rowe has been waiting for his chance to impress in the league. A shoulder injury curtailed the start of his season but he has put in a series of impressive performances for the Gunners in the Europa League.
He stepped up, without being overawed, for the London derby yesterday evening and his composure was summed up by his audacity to nutmeg N’Golo Kante. Supporters will be hoping Arteta hands him another start against Brighton on Tuesday.