‘Really solid’: Alan Smith praised Ainsley Maitland-Niles Arsenal display

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Arsenal saw out the win against Watford this afternoon as Emile Smith Rowe struck to seal a big three points for Mikel Arteta’s men at The Emirates Stadium.

Smith Rowe’s strike found its way under Ben Foster and it proved to be enough in the end for the Gunners. It means Arsenal continue their fine form and can go into the international break in a positive mindset again.

Mikel Arteta opted to once again go with Lacazette and Aubameyang up front. Indeed, Aubameyang had a goal disallowed, as well as missing a penalty.

However, behind him, the performances in midfield from both Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Albert-Sambi Lokonga caught the eye. The young duo were solid in their work, and did just the job Arteta wanted.

And speaking for Sky Sports today, former Arsenal striker Alan Smith said he felt Maitland-Niles was very effective for the Gunners.

“He’s done well today Maitland-Niles. Not spectacular but he’s moved the ball on. Defensively he’s been sound. It’s good to see,” Smith said in the 95th minute on Sky.

Following on from that, Smith also handed the man of the match award to Maitland-Niles, adding he felt the midfielder had ‘come to the fore’.

TBR’s View: Big statement from Maitland-Niles to prove his Arsenal worth

This was exactly what the midfielder needed and Mikel Arteta will have been delighted with what he saw from Maitland-Niles.

Smith is bang on with his assessment. The Englishman didn’t try anything over the top but he did what he needed to do very well.

After nearly leaving in the summer, Maitland-Niles will hope this is a turning point for him in the red of Arsenal. Certainly, his performance against Watford today has done the chances of that no harm at all.