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Arsenal: 4 talking points from West Brom Premier League win

By Ross Kennerley

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 09: Willian of Arsenal scores their side's third goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion at Emirates Stadium on May 09, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Frank Augstein - Pool/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 09: Willian of Arsenal scores their side's third goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion at Emirates Stadium on May 09, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Frank Augstein - Pool/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Bukayo Saka
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 09: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal celebrates with Bukayo Saka after scoring their side’s first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion at Emirates Stadium. (Photo by Frank Augstein – Pool/Getty Images) /

Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe Battling for England Spots

As far as the Premier League is concerned for fans, all three remaining fixtures are essentially dead-rubbers: Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Brighton are to come and seeing academy players get some minutes is what most are keen on.

Saka and Smith Rowe will have other ideas.

Granted, the chances of making the England squad for the summer’s European Championships are far greater for Saka than they are for Smith Rowe, although that doesn’t mean it’s entirely out of the question.

With the squad sizes expanded to 26, players such as Smith Rowe are in with a chance of inclusion and his versatility, just like Saka, will help his case. Yet again it was the academy stars who shone brightest for Arsenal, and even with the competition for places in the Three Lions being tough, excluding Saka will prompt riots in north London.

Player ratings vs West Brom. dark. Next

The past few weeks have been indifferent for both players, with performance levels dropping slightly as an undoubted response to the sheer volume of minutes faced. Both need a rest, but neither will want it in the final three games as they push for a spot on the plane.

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