Mikel Arteta reacts to Emile Smith Rowe’s display in Arsenal draw

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Mikel Arteta has suggested – in comments reported by Football London – that he thought that Emile Smith Rowe was really impressive in Arsenal’s draw with Manchester United on Saturday.

Smith Rowe kept his place in the Gunners lineup following the loan arrival of Martin Odegaard this week. And he vindicated Arteta’s decision with a strong display.

The 20-year-old looked dangerous, particularly in the first-half. But he was also not afraid to contribute defensively, pressing superbly throughout.

He was replaced by Odegaard late on. But Arteta insisted that he was very happy with what he saw from the academy graduate at the Emirates.

“I think he played a really good game,” he said, as reported by Football London. “In the first half when got involved I think he made a real difference.

“I think he increases the pace and the rhythm of the team when he’s around the ball. And defensively I think he’s working so hard as well so overall again I think he had a really strong performance.”

Nicolas Pepe was the only Arsenal player to contribute more key passes than Smith Rowe against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side (via Whoscored).

It is remarkable to think that the youngster has been in the Premier League fold for just over a month. He made his first top flight appearance in more than a year on Boxing Day.

No Arsenal player has contributed more assists in the league than Smith Rowe. He now has three. And there were moments on Saturday where it appeared that he may add to that tally.

Some may have feared for Smith Rowe when it became apparent that Odegaard was on his way to North London. But perhaps, it may actually be Odegaard who is left with a battle on his hands.