Emile Smith Rowe has signed a new 5-year-deal with Arsenal, committing his future to the club until 2026 and taking the number 10 shirt.
Smith Rowe had a breakout season for Arsenal, coming in for Mikel Arteta's surprising Boxing Day selection against Chelsea where he established himself as regular starter for the rest of the campaign.
Mikel Arteta was pleased with Smith Rowe's contract extension, saying: “As we all saw last season, Emile is an intelligent player with excellent ability. His sharpness on the turn and exceptional vision have already made him a key player for us. His attitude and willingness to learn have also been very impressive.”
“I know the fans will join us in being delighted that Emile has committed his future to the club.”
The Englishman made 33 appearances for the Gunners in 2020/21, scoring 4 goals and assisting 7.
But beyond the numbers, Smith Rowe's impact on the Arsenal team was a driving force during the second half of the campaign. On the ball he speeds up play, often taking only one or two touches, has great technique and is comfortable with both feet.
However, off the ball is where Smith Rowe really thrives. He is a willing runner, both dropping deep and running in behind, helps to create overloads, and is able to identify where the space is, much like the man who previously wore the number 10 shirt.
Out of possession, Smith Rowe has great energy, often leading the press and helping to inspire the likes of Aubameyang and Pepe to join in. Smith Rowe puts himself about and is not afraid to help his team on the defensive side of the ball.
Smith Rowe's attacking skills were on full display for Arsenal's 4-0 win over West Brom in January, with his involvement in the second goal in particular showcasing why he is so valuable to Arsenal.
(Credit: Arsenal YouTube)
Smith Rowe injects pace into the Arsenal attack, taking few touches and dovetailing with Saka, using third man runs off the ball to produce a magical 8 seconds of football.
The Arsenal attack has slowed with the majority of the West Brom team behind the ball. Bellerin looks to play the ball to Smith Rowe but there is not a lot happening ahead of him.
Smith Rowe immediately injects pace into the play in the way he receives the pass, using his body to shape to dribble but instead playing the ball to Saka who has drifted in off the right.
Smith Rowe's pass was played towards Saka's left side, allowing him to pin his defender behind him and let the ball run across his body. Whilst Saka received the ball, Smith Rowe begins a sprint into the space Saka has left by drifting infield.
Saka, having used Smith Rowe's pass to turn, looks to play the ball into Lacazette who has dropped off the front line. Smith Rowe's run has caught the West Brom players by surprise, leaving him open on the right wing.
Lacazette receives the ball from Saka and the space to find Smith Rowe in a dangerous position has opened up.
Lacazette's ball takes a bobble, flicking up off the turf, but Smith Rowe takes it in stride on his weaker left foot in order to keep up his momentum and the speed of the play.
Smith Rowe's first touch on his left foot sets him up to play the ball across the box on his right. Saka, who like Smith Rowe, has made a run after giving the ball up earlier in the play, breaks into the space left by Lacazette.
Smith Rowe's ball across the box is met by Saka who taps into the empty net, rounding off a classic Arsenal goal.
Arsenal's new number 10 has been an important player in Mikel Arteta's system over recent months, and tying him down to a new 5-year-deal is a great move. Over the past year, Smith Rowe, Tierney, Holding, Aubameyang, Martinelli and Saka have all agreed to new deals, demonstrating that Arsenal's key players are buying into Mikel Arteta's project.
Adam Perry - 23/07/2021