Arsenal: Emile Smith Rowe the star in dreadful defeat

With the heat cranked all the way up on Mikel Arteta and his front office, the season could not have started off much worse than losing 2-0 against recently promoted side Brentford. Arsenal are back alright, and in full force.

In the shocking performance Arsenal failed to create much at the attacking end of the pitch and was equally lack-luster at the back, resulting in yet another embarrassing outcome. Despite little threat in the final third, the one player who contributed the most in that aspect of the game was Emile Smith Rowe.

The 21-year-old, recently signed down with the Gunners until 2026, looks to be one of the key parts of the future of this Arsenal team. Along with his contract, Smith Rowe has been given the number 10 shirt, indicating the confidence Arteta has in him to grant the Hale Ender’s wish. They’re big boots to fill.

The confidence that was sapped out of the defenders was very present with Smith Rowe throughout, as he was having strong spells of receiving the ball in pockets he brilliantly drifted into, before then driving at Brentford defenders with speed, skill and purpose.

Arsenal: Emile Smith Rowe the star in dreadful defeat to Brentford as 2021/22 Premier League campaign starts in dreadful fashion

A wonderfully intelligent footballer, he, and Kieran Tierney, offered the only real threat of goal for the Gunners in what was an abject display. Smith Rowe was by far the closest to scoring for Arsenal as he forced a strong parry from David Raya, a chance all of his own creation with a scintillating half-turn and run in the 51st minute.

Smith Rowe has clearly been working this off-season, his physical condition looked impeccable, and so did his feet, which were sharp as ever. Always threatening when assuming possession in between the lines, the only hope for Arsenal was to keep giving him the ball.

He was given the number 10 shirt which brings a whole new level of responsibility and expectancy, whether it be assisting or scoring goals. Although his name was not on the score sheet for this match, it will be in fixtures to come. Believe it.

In a dismal performance, Smith Rowe was the only player from the match to bring any sort of excitement and promise to the fans. Thankfully, Arsenal have ‘one of our own’ on the books and he is here to stay. To think Villa thought £30m would do. Fools.

This will be an incredibly grueling Premier League season, but he will make it that little bit better. He’s a joy to watch.

The skies are gloomy and dark around the Arsenal camp, but at least with ESR there is a light at the end of tunnel. Strap in Gunners, it’s going to be a bumpy and chaotic ride.