Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe highlighted their importance to Mikel Arteta on Wednesday evening after they both put in excellent displays in Arsenal’s 4-2 win over Chelsea. The victory helped the Gunners in their push for a Champions League place.
Both of the Hale End academy graduates were on the scoresheet for the North London side. This means that the two Arsenal stars are repeating achievements created by Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney during their legendary linkup at Manchester United.
The ceiling is untouchable for both Saka and Smith Rowe. If they continue on this great trajectory, then they are certainly on route to becoming Premier League greats.
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After Saka's goal against Chelsea, it means that he and Smith Rowe have both scored 10 goals and more in the Premier League this season. This is just the third time that two players aged 21 or under have this for the same team in the campaign, with Ronaldo and Rooney following suit in the 2006/2007 season.
Saka is viewed as one of the club’s most valuable assets. football.london understands that the Gunners have made extending the current contract of the youngster a key priority ahead of the summer transfer window.
A lot of pressure has been heaped on the shoulders of the Englishman to carry Arsenal through tough situations despite his tender age, and his style is key to Arsenal’s improved fluency in attack. It has also led to him being the most-used player under Arteta since he took control of the team in 2019.
Saka's excellent performances for Arsenal meant he received a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s EURO 2020 squad where the team reached the final, with the youngster playing a crucial part throughout the tournament. His displays gave him leverage in being nominated for the 2021 Kopa trophy, which has been previously won by the likes of French star Kylian Mbappe.
Smith Rowe has also been an important asset to Arsenal in recent seasons. The Hale End star has become the fourth Arsenal player under the age of 21 to score in three straight Premier League games, the previous three being Nicolas Anelka, Jose Antonio Reyes, and Cesc Fabregas.
The youngster initially set himself a target of 10 goal contributions this season. However, he managed to blow that target out of the water and it is a credit to his mentality to succeed as an Arsenal player.
The Hale End stars keep going from strength to strength and are at the moment, the first names on the team sheet as their attacking presence is crucial. The ceiling is in the sky for both of the academy products as it looks as though they are without a doubt, a certainty to reach legendary status within the club.
