Gary Neville says Emile Smith Rowe was a ‘shining light’ for Arsenal against Brentford

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Arsenal endured a miserable start to the Premier League season as they lost out to Brentford, with the Bees running out 2-0 winners in the curtain raiser.

Goals from Sergi Canos and then Christian Norgaard ensured Thomas Frank’s men got the dream start to life in the Premier League.

For Arsenal, though, it was another case of deja vu. Mikel Arteta’s men looked short of confidence, quality, and fight throughout, as Brentford merely brushed the Gunner aside.

However, despite the miserable night at the office for Arsenal, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville felt that Emile Smith Rowe was a ‘shining light’ for the Gunners during the game.

“There was talk of him going to Aston Villa at one point this summer. They can’t let him go. His energy, his quality, was absolutely fantastic,” Neville said on Sky following the game.

“That link up with Tierney down the left. He was a shining light for Arsenal who you talk about wanting the ball. He was one of the positives for Arsenal tonight.”

Smith Rowe was given the number ten shirt in pre-season and in fairness to him tonight, lived up to the expectation that comes with it.

Neville bang on about Smith Rowe

Until Bukayo Saka came on, Arsenal were only ever going to do something if Smith Rowe was involved. He seemed to be everywhere at times.

He drove at the Brentford defence, created havoc, and should have probably scored as well.

On a night of disappointment for the Gunners, Smith Rowe was outstanding and showed his worth.