Arsenal young attacking trio the focus next season

This Arsenal season has ended with turmoil and misery for supporters, but fans can reasonably draw take some positives away from this campaign. One of, if not the, brightest spots in the Arsenal squad was the young attacking trio of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli.

Together, this explosive triplet scored 12 goals and contributed 19 assists in all competitions, which is a more than credible return when factoring in the length of Martinelli’s injury absence and the youthful inexperience of the trio.

All had solid seasons, catching the eyes of fans and the Premier League audience as a whole. Bukayo Saka, who seems to be the ‘star boy‘ of this  group, has been one of the most valuable players for Arsenal this year, winning London Football’s Young Player of the Year award for 2021, while he’s also on course to be his club’s Player of the Year.

Although Saka is the one who gets the most spotlight, supporters can (constructively and healthily with no animosity) argue that Smith Rowe has had the most impact on the team this season in terms of results.

Arsenal young attacking trio of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli the focus next season under Mikel Arteta

Since the involvement of Smith Rowe in the Arsenal lineup on Boxing Day, the Gunners sit third in the Premier League form table, improving drastically both for fluency in attack and overall scoring figures. Arsenal born and bred, his movement, cunning and mature intelligent mind have seen him transition from a Championship player to an Emirates regular.

With admiration of Saka and Smith Rowe, fans certainly can’t forget the Brazilian firecracker Gabriel Martinelli, who although only got to showcase his skills at the very tail-end of the season, was a joy to watch. His infectious work-rate at both ends of the pitch shows that the cannon doesn’t weigh too heavy. Destined for more attention next season if he can remain healthy, consistent outings will provide the platform for the best campaign of his career to date.

All under the age of 21 and key components in their club’s success, these three players, as many other young talents are doing, are transforming the perception of youth players in the league.

Usually, it is the older, more experienced players taking on heavy loads, while the young members learn the ropes of the Premier League and adjust to the unrelenting intensity. Not only did these boys adapt to the competition amid a season littered with off-field turmoil and non-football related hardships, they thrived in it. All three assumed their own form of leadership. In quick time it went from Arsenal not just playing their young players, but indeed their best players.

When senior heads like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Willian went through horrendous spells and goalless droughts, contributing little in the way of attacking output, a combination of these three players injected life and energy to the otherwise hollow displays.

They all embody outstanding work ethic at either end of the pitch, no resting on laurels or managing stamina whether in possession or reshaping to defend.

We rarely saw all three play at the same time due to injury, but fans didn’t need to see them all at once to understand that these are the faces and future of the Arsenal Football Club – along with Kieran Tierney – who have provided the only modicum of solace to be taken from the darkest season most supporters will have ever been unfortunate enough to endure.

What will be very important is whether or not Arsenal can draw and attract players this summer, which will be a crucial step in bringing them back to the top level. Those to help this core trio.

Mikel Arteta has the young talent and foundation to have a fruitful season next term, one focused solely on the top-flight; the question will be whether he can make the right decisions when it comes down to kick-off.

With all three healthy, there is no reason why they can’t be in the starting lineup simultaneously. All – Smith Rowe pending – have extended their contracts, it is time to fully launch the young Gunners.