Danny Murphy has hailed the impact of Emile Smith Rowe and Thomas Partey after Arsenal defeated Tottenham Hotspur in Sunday’s north London derby, speaking to talkSPORT (15 March, 10.50am).
The battle between two stumbling Premier League giants was always likely to be won and lost on the midfield battleground.
And it was Partey, Arsenal’s armoured tank, who steamrollered all opposition at the Emirates, flattening Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Tanguy Ndombele while providing the platform for a much-needed victory over their bitter rivals.
But while such performances should perhaps be expected by a man signed from Atletico Madrid for £50 million, this was a game in which Croydon-born Smith Rowe came of age at the top level.
The Arsenal academy graduate led Spurs’ defence a merry dance during the first half in particular, breezing past challenges like a cockney Jack Grealish while rattling the bar with a stunning long-range effort.
While neither Partey nor Smith Rowe got on the scoresheet as Arsenal moved to within four points of Jose Mourinho’s side, Murphy believes their role in a huge win shouldn’t go under the radar.
“(Smith Rowe) is a super talent, lovely balance and awareness, always playing on the front foot,” says the former Spurs midfielder.
“There were so many positives (for Arsenal).
“I think Partey is going to be massive. He’s a superb player, really mixes it up. Really solid.”
A Martin Odegaard strike and an Alexandre Lacazette penalty sealed the points for Arsenal, who showed commendable character to bounce back after Erik Lamela had stunned the Emirates with an early Puskas contender.
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