‘Revelation’, ‘so impressed’: Jamie Redknapp says Arsenal player has reignited Gunners flame

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Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe has helped bring the flame back to a previously ailing Gunners outfit, according to Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp.

The 20-year-old, long considered one of the best young talents at Hale End, has finally made his breakthrough in the Gunners first team.

Arteta used the playmaker sparingly earlier in the season but, with Arsenal in dire straits up until just over a month ago, opted to start him in the Premier League meeting with Chelsea.

Smith Rowe justified his inclusion as he helped the Gunners run out 3-1 winners, and since then he’s become one of the first names on Arteta’s team sheet.

He has three assists in six top-flight appearances and, along with fellow Hale End graduate Bukayo Saka, has been a driving force behind Arsenal’s resurgence.

Smith Rowe will now be vying with Martin Odegaard for minutes at No. 10 after the Real Madrid man arrived on loan earlier this week.

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United on Saturday, Redknapp applauded the contribution the playmaker has made so far .

However, he warned that Smith Rowe will repeatedly face talented teammates aiming to take his role in the side.

“The main catalyst has been the young players,” said Redknapp. “Emile Smith Rowe has come in and been a revelation. They needed someone to light the flame, give them that spark.

“I hope with Odegaard coming into the club, that doesn’t stop him being instrumental in what they’re doing.

“The hardest thing for him will be – and I’m sure he knows this – where he plays is a position where you’re always looking for the best in the world or players in that position to be a No 10. or wide man. He’s competing with some of the best.

“So he’s going to have to always maintain these standards he’s producing right now.

“But I’ve been so impressed with him, I love his work ethic, I love the way he runs with the ball, he’s been a breath of fresh air for this team, exactly when they needed it.”

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Football London claimed last year that, in Smith Rowe, “Arsenal already have their Mesut Ozil successor amid creativity concerns in Arteta’s squad”, not to mention the youngster enjoys playing at No. 10 the most and idolises the 2014 World Cup winner.

With Ozil no longer at Arsenal, Smith Rowe has now very much taken over at No. 10, and with Odegaard on board too, Arteta has a positive selection headache in an area which was a major problem up until just a few weeks ago.