Emile Smith Rowe’s impact on the Arsenal team since he came into the starting line-up has been phenomenal as he starred again for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Playing in the no.10 role behind Alexandre Lacazette, he was too much for Newcastle to handle, helping himself to another assist for the Gunners.
It was the 20-year-old’s fifth assist this season, two more than any other player in the Arsenal team – and he’s only played ten games in the 2020/21 campaign.
There is no surprise that the north London club’s upturn in form has coincided with Smith Rowe’s emergence.
He made his first start on Boxing Day against Chelsea as they blew away their London rivals 3-1 in what was a shock result.
Since then they’ve not lost, winning four of their last five Premier League games and conceding just one goal.
Smith Rowe has created ten chances for his teammates over those five games – the second most in the Premier League.
The only man who has more is Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes (12) – the Premier League player of the month for December.
“I look up to Bruno Fernandes as a player. His stats are crazy,” Smith Rowe admitted to Sky Sports after the 3-0 win over Newcastle.
“We enjoyed that so much, we’re coming together as a team so we’re really happy with the win and the three points.
“Everyone’s getting fit and we’re all getting together on the training pitch. Just the whole group is so much stronger and I think it’s showing on the pitch.”
This was a fifth successive Premier League start for the youngster, who at one point was being linked with a possible loan move away from the club.
But he looks nailed on to retain his place in the starting line-up for a little while longer.
He added: ”I’ve been a bit unfortunate with injuries but the manager has given me a chance and I’m so grateful, I just hope to repay him.
“Every opportunity I’m getting I just want to show him that I’m good enough to be in this team.”
Smith Rowe is one of a number of young players coming through the ranks alongside the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Joe Willock.
He continued: “We’ve all played together from a young age. Gabriel Martinelli came from abroad but to be on the pitch together with all the young boys, it’s a dream for us.
“From a young age we’ve already had that link-up so when we get onto the pitch it shows how good we play with each other.”
There is definite cause for excitement for the Arsenal fans after seeing their youngsters shine in recent games.
Smith Rowe looks like a player with the creativity the Gunners have been crying out for and a true replacement for Mesut Ozil.
Ozil himself has been full of praise for the youngster who seems to have proved the club needed a no.10 just as the playmaker heads to Fenerbahce.
After the win over West Brom earlier this month, he wrote: “Nice game my boys. Great spirit – 3 wins in a row. Team looks good with a no.10 like Emile Smith Rowe – the difference maker.”