Chelsea supporters lauded Emile Smith Rowe on Sunday despite Arsenal suffering a 2-1 pre-season defeat to their London rivals.
Mikel Arteta’s side have had an indifferent pre-season so far and that continued yesterday as Arsenal fans returned to the Emirates stadium.
Even though the returning Granit Xhaka equalised for the Gunners in the second half, it wasn’t enough as the home side produced another mistake-ridden performance in defence.
And whilst sections of the Arsenal support vent their frustration at the defensive side of their game, their rivals liked what they saw from Smith Rowe going forward.
The ball-carrying midfielder was one of a very few positives during the game and he is a key member of this team if they are to do the business next season.
To think this time last summer Smith Rowe wasn’t even in the picture, yet he’s going into this campaign as the club’s main creative talent and someone who is very much needed.
But it just goes to show the talent and quality the Hale-End academy product has at his feet when Chelsea supporters are pointing him out for praise.
Despite having the Englishman’s talents on board, Arteta still needs more attacking bite in his squad if they are to return to Europe next term.
Rumours have surfaced about James Maddison possibly moving to North London, and whether that happens or not, someone like Smith Rowe cannot carry the creative side of this team and he needs help.
Nonetheless, here is a selection of Chelsea fans reacting to Smith Rowe’s display yesterday:
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