Arteta could unleash 'exceptional' 22-year-old for Arsenal v Saints, fans should be buzzing

Arsenal will hope to make the most of their Friday night kickoff to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table.

The Gunners, who host Southampton at the Emirates Stadium, are four points clear of Manchester City at the summit.

However, the Citizens have a game in hand on Arsenal, and the two sides lock horns at the Etihad Stadium next week.

With Arsenal on the home straight, every player will need to pull their weight in pursuit of their first title since 2004.

Mikel Arteta, speaking ahead of the Saints match, suggested that Emile Smith Rowe could play a big part in the run-in.

The 22-year-old burst onto the scene a few years ago and looked like he could become the next homegrown Arsenal superstar.

Smith Rowe has clocked up 93 appearances for the Gunners, registering 18 goals and 10 assists.

However, he has struggled with injuries this season, and now finds himself on the fringes of the first team.

Smith Rowe has made just 12 first-team appearances totalling 194 minutes, and is yet to start a senior game this term.

‘He’s very close’

Now, Arteta has suggested that Smith Rowe still very much has a role to play for the Gunners.

“He’s pushing,” he told the Arsenal media team.

“And in football what you did a year ago, a month ago is not important, it’s about what you do now, what you do yesterday and what you do tomorrow.

“The player has to have that mindset and the contribution has to be now to the team has to make us better and to make us win games. He’s very close.”

Obviously Arsenal already have other options both on the left side of attack and at No. 10.

However, Arteta’s comments suggest there’s a chance Smith Rowe is in line for more game time, maybe even starts.

And a home game against Southampton would be, on paper anyway, a good shout for him to come into the starting XI.

If that happens, then Arsenal fans will surely be buzzing to see one of their own back in the fold and dazzling in red and white.