Gary Neville has claimed that Arsenal trio Emile Smith Rowe, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are ‘the way forward’ for Mikel Arteta, as he told Sky Sports.
On Sunday, Arsenal recorded a valuable three points against Watford, with both Martinelli and Saka getting on the scoresheet.
Smith Rowe was absent for the trip to Vicarage Road because of COVID, but it didn’t matter too much because Arsenal’s other rising stars shone bright.
The Gunners have the youngest squad in England’s top-flight and, at this moment in time, it’s working wonders because they are in pole position to return to the Champions League.
Nonetheless, after Arsenal’s win at Watford, Neville spoke about Arteta picking youth and how it is paying off for him.
“But he (Arteta) is (backing) good youth,” said Neville. “He has got players there, was it two years ago against Chelsea when there were a few players missing for various reasons?
“And he brought in Saka, Martinelli and Smith Rowe. He brought those three in that day and we thought ‘this could be difficult’. And they were sensational.
“I think, from that moment, Mikel Arteta has recognised that is the way forward for the club. That he wants players he can work with. He can grow with and he can mould. They will have that fighting spirit.”
For the first time in a very long time, Arsenal feel like they are going somewhere under Arteta.
From the style of play, defensive structure, team togetherness and the potential in the squad, the future is looking bright for the supporters.
Of course, there will still be a few bumpy roads heading into the final few months of the season.
But, this young and vibrant Arsenal side that couldn’t even score a goal during the first few weeks of the season, is now in pole position for that all-important fourth spot.
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