Garth Crooks says Arsenal have a player ‘prepared to walk over broken glass’ to beat Spurs

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Arsenal playmaker Emile Smith Rowe was “prepared to walk over broken glass” to win the North London derby, according to BBC pundit and Spurs icon Garth Crooks.

The Gunners dominated Tottenham at the Emirates on Sunday, surging into a 3-0 half-time lead and running out 3-1 winners.

Smith Rowe opened the scoring against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side in the 12th minute, ghosting into space to slot home from Bukayo Saka’s cutback.

The 21-year-old then turned provider for Arsenal’s second on 27 minutes, squaring for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to rifle home following a marauding run.

Saka then added a third just seven minutes later, surging down the right channel and slotting into the far corner of Hugo Lloris’ net.

Although Son Heung-min pulled a goal back for Spurs in the second half, they didn’t have enough to overhaul the Gunners.

Smith Rowe, one of Arsenal’s most recent Hale End success stories, made Crooks’ Team of the Week on BBC Sport.

“Arsenal have a 21-year-old in Smith Rowe who was prepared to walk over broken glass to win this derby,” he wrote.

“He said in his post-match interview that it was the best day of his life.

“Well, I hope there are better days to come for this talented youngster – just not at Tottenham’s expense.”

Smith Rowe is one of the most talented players to come through the Arsenal ranks in recent years.

He had to bide his time at the Emirates, with just two Premier League appearances prior to last Christmas.

However, Arteta named him in the starting XI against Chelsea on Boxing Day, and the rest is history.

Up next for Arsenal is Brighton away in the Premier League on Saturday, 5:30pm kickoff.