Gary Neville praised the positive impact Emile Smith Rowe has had at Arsenal after scoring against Aston Villa, while speaking on Sky Sports’ Friday Night Football (22/10, 22:15).
Smith Rowe delivered a standout performance against Dean Smith’s Villans at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal won 3-1. He scored the Gunners’ third goal of the night 11-minutes into the second-half, ending a swift counter-attacking move he started.
The 21-year-old snatched possession by intercepting a poor pass from John McGinn before finding Albert Sambi Lokonga and darting forward. Smith Rowe charged down the left-wing as Nuno Tavares drilled play to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, whose flick freed Smith Rowe.
Aston Villa captain Tyrone Mings hesitated to close Smith Rowe down, leaving the Arsenal gem time to assess the situation. Opting to shoot with support late arriving, and earning a stroke of luck with Mings’ attempted block diverting the ball past Emiliano Martinez.
Neville lauds Arsenal gem Smith Rowe freedom and joy
Smith Rowe covered 80-yards in 12-seconds from snatching possession against Aston Villa and scoring Arsenal’s third goal of the night. But he was physically and technically among the best players on the pitch all game, and thrilled an on-looking Neville.
Neville lauded Smith Rowe and his Arsenal teammate Bukayo Saka for the freedom and joy they play with. Hailing Smith Rowe, in particular, for what he has offered since his debut.
“I think he’s a breath of fresh air, I think he has been since he come into the team,” Neville said. “Him and Saka just make you feel how you should about football, which is just joy.
“You think of kids playing in the street when they’re growing up, and how much they enjoy just love running around, kicking the ball, learning to dribble, passing it. And every time I watch these two, I feel they still play with that spirit.”
Freddie Ljungberg awarded Smith Rowe his Premier League debut while interim Arsenal manager after Unai Emery’s departure in December 2019. Mikel Arteta has since handed the England U21 maestro 29 of his 31 top-flight appearances.
Smith Rowe has become a firm favourite under Arteta this season with Aston Villa marking the Arsenal gem’s eighth start. He has featured in all nine league fixtures so far, with two goals and two assists to show for his efforts that have pundits like Neville purring with joy.
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