Arsenal: Emile Smith Rowe outclasses sorry Tottenham in marquee display

In the quest for justification behind the backing of Mikel Arteta, overall team displays will dictate the validity of such claims. If Arsenal are collectively stronger then belief of a brighter future will overshadow the dim spotlight that has shone on the Emirates turf all season.

There are other units of measurement to classify what can be defined as ‘improvement’ and individual displays are an effective tool to do so.

Emile Smith Rowe had his best game in an Arsenal shirt in the 2-1 win over Tottenham. An all-encompassing performance of maturity and grace in a position few prefer to see him operate. Selected to play on the left wing with Martin Odegaard in the hole, the surrendering of control after his substitution neatly summerised his influence.

How much of the 20-year-old’s outing is down to pure unfiltered talent is up for debate, but when the team are performing to a higher standard then it’s the result of individuals raising their own games en masse. The manager is squeezing the best out of his stars.

Emile Smith Rowe outclasses sorry Tottenham in marquee Arsenal display

Coming in off that left flank, everything Smith Rowe touched turned to gold. Telepathic communication with Kieran Tierney that began from Gabriel sucking in Harry Kane to press was the Gunners’ most menacing outlet.

When Tierney was freed up on the touchline, Smith Rowe could tuck into the half-space off the back of Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, who was drawn by the youngster’s enticing movements. In that zone he could either play the wall-pass option with the Scot or make the run outside of the centre-back.

Devastating repetition of this move, each time with varied timing and end product, left Gareth Bale, Davinson Sanchez and Matt Doherty at sixes and sevens. Handling that combination play was a task neither could fulfill.

Since Boxing Day, Smith Rowe has gone from strength to strength: he’s bulked up, become fitter and discovered a finer balance in attacking and defensive actions. Everything has coincided with the team’s upturn in form.

Nicolas Pepe, Martin Odegaard, Willian and Gabriel are a few of the others who’ve improved with each game since the pre-Christmas run was brought to a halt. None stand out more than Smith Rowe and the pupils must take credit alongside their tutor.

There were magnificent displays across the board at Arsenal in the North London Derby: a united front with exceptional work-rate throughout. It’s undeniable progress and nobody embodies the improvements being made more than Smith Rowe. He’s flying the flag.