Freddie Ljungberg’s tenure as manager of Arsenal U23s certainly got off to an eventful start as his side were beaten 6-5 away to Manchester City today in an enthralling contest.
Krystian Bielik, Xavier Amaechi and Stephy Mavididi were all on the scoresheet for the young Gunners, but, perhaps unsurprisingly, it was Emile Smith Rowe who was his side’s standout performer with the talented midfielder scoring a brace.
His confidence undoubtedly boosted following his involvement with the first-team in pre-season, Smith Rowe produced an encouraging display against City and will hope that it won’t be too long until he is involved with the senior side again.
This season should certainly be an interesting one for the 18-year-old, who will be looking to be involved in the Europa League and the Carabao Cup, while there is also a possibility that he could feature in the Premier League at some stage if the opportunity arises.
For now, though, Smith Rowe is just focusing on each game as it comes and it is clear that he has already mastered playing at U23 level as his ability to play precise passes and get into dangerous attacking areas make him almost impossible to defend against at times.
There is still much work for Smith Rowe to do in order to fully make the breakthrough at Arsenal but he is certainly heading in the right direction and his mentality is such that he is constantly seeking to improve.
With the likes of Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah and possibly others likely to be involved with the first-team at various points this season, it could well prove difficult for the U23s to retain the Premier League 2 title.
Indeed, today they would certainly have benefitted from having Nelson available, but the winger was instead selected to train with the first-team at Emirates Stadium and will hope to make the bench tomorrow.
If Smith Rowe continues to progress at such a rate, he will certainly give Emery much to think about, although he certainly isn’t ready to be a regular starter in the Premier League just yet.
That will hopefully come in due course but for now Arsenal will certainly be very happy with the way in which Smith Rowe is developing.
—
Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Smith Rowe should of been on the bench tomorrow,top prospect
Emile is a bright prospect for the club. He’s one for the near future.
If he turns out half as good as the absolute baller and England legend that is his namesake Heskey then I’ll be happy.
You mean Ernie
No I mean Bert.
I’ve no idea what anyone else thinks, but from what I’ve seen so far Emile is at least as good as Jack was at the same age. And then there’s the built-in potential we’ve not yet seen.
I really do hope we get to see a lot of him in the Europa and other cup competitions.
At that age jack was one of, if not the best player in the first team. Smith-Rowe may well be better, and I hope he is, but be honest, he’s proved nothing yet.
Some players, you watch them once and you just take to them because you see so much natural talent and you just want them to succeed…young Fabregas was one, the Jeff was another one, and for me, this boy is another one. I like him, period, and he has got so much natural talent that i pray to God that he comes through….i acknowledge it takes more than natural talent to make that transition, but ill put my money on this lad.
Really excited for this young man.
By the way Happy belated Birthday Emile, he was 17 last time I checked!
I want to see him on the bench for PL games and making some cameo appearances when we’re not facing the big guns
6-5 seems a rip roaring game, with ESR and Amaechi showing their attacking quality. But what happened with our defence?
Scoring 5 goals is fantastic, but conceding 6 isn’t and if we defend like this in the Checkatrade it could be embarrassing.
the defence is like the first team defence
– The continued emphasis on Chambers going on loan is tiring. The coaching staff see him everyday, and decided this is best for his development.
– I wonder if anyone can name the defenders at Burnley, or if anyone in that crew was signed by Arsenal will excite us.
The point i’m making is defense is maybe due more to structure as personnel.
And chambers was at fault for crystal palace first goal last night
And the first person to mention Chambers on this thread is ???
You replied to his post, so I’d have thought you would know.
Look just above if you aren’t sure.
Hope that helps.
Something which should be mentioned about this match is the keeper, Remy Mitchell, who made his debut is 14 yrs old!!! I don’t know how common it is but to see a 14 yr old in an Arsenal u18 team seems newsworthy….
This author certainly likes to use the word certainly…
Smith Rowe reminds me of a young Paul Merson. Perhaps not as one footed, but similarities in the way he can run with the ball and by-pass players. A very exciting prospect.
I miss the young Paul Merson