Souness hails Smith Rowe after Arsenal victory

Graeme Souness hailed Emile Smith Rowe after the youngster helped Arsenal to a 4-1 win at Leeds.

Smith Rowe has not been in the starting line-up for the past couple of matches.

But he scored after coming on as a substitute at Elland Road and continues to enhance his growing reputation.

And former Liverpool midfielder Souness believes Smith Rowe is a better option for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta than Martin Ødegaard.


Speaking about Smith Rowe on Sky Sports, pundit Souness said: “I like him. When you watch him play, everything he does is at a sprint.

“He’s powerful, he can drop a shoulder, great close control, he can dribble and get himself out of tight areas and he can make a pass.

“Getting more goals would be the icing on the cake for him. But I really like him.

“From what I’ve seen of Ødegaard, I prefer Smith Rowe to Ødegaard. I think he’s got a really big future.”

Arsenal’s victory cemented their position in fourth, taking them four points clear of fifth-placed West Ham, who have a game in hand.

Gabriel Martinelli netted twice against injury-hit Leeds and there was also a goal for Bukayo Saka as the Gunners’ young players continue to shine.