Kevin Campbell lauds Emile Smith Rowe after Arsenal wins

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Kevin Campbell has told the Highbury Squad that Emile Smith Rowe has made a massive difference in Arsenal’s last two games, and suggested that his levels of confidence are incredible.

Gunners fans have been calling for the 20-year-old to get a chance for some time. He has been impressing in the Europa League while Mikel Arteta’s men have been struggling in the top flight.

That chance to feature in the league came on Boxing Day. Smith Rowe was handed a start as Arsenal went to beat Chelsea 3-1 at the Emirates. And he vindicated that selection with an incredibly bright performance against Frank Lampard’s side.

Unsurprisingly, he kept his place for the trip to Brighton. And while the Gunners were very quiet in the first-half, he was one who created problems after the break as Arsenal went on to win 1-0.

And following the two games, Campbell suggested that he was delighted to see the impact that Smith Rowe has made since coming into the team.

“I’m so pleased that the kid’s come in and made a difference,” he told Highbury Squad. “Obviously I’ve only ever seen him really make a difference in the Europa League. I’ve seen him come on in the Premier League at times, and he hasn’t really done much. But he’s got that bit between his teeth. You could see how hungry he was against Chelsea. And he made a difference.

“Smith Rowe made a massive difference. And the confidence he had against Chelsea was incredible,” he went on to add.

Arsenal’s youngsters are providing the fans with reason for cautious optimism right now. Few are getting carried away by their two wins. It is clear how much work remains ahead for Arteta.

But the performances from the likes of Smith Rowe – who earns £20,000-a-week, according to Spotrac – Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have been exactly what the club has needed in recent weeks.

And of course, the fans will be wary of putting too much pressure on the trio. But it does appear that Arsenal have a very exciting group coming through who are doing more than simply nudging their teammates aside when it comes to winning a place in the team.