Here are your Arsenal evening headlines for Tuesday, March 2.
England boss Southgate praises Saka and Smith Rowe
Gareth Southgate has praised two Arsenal youngsters in Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka ahead of this summer’s Euro 2020.
“‘Emile Smith Rowe getting his opportunity at Arsenal,” Southgate told talkSPORT.
“We know those kids are there and we know the talent is there, but when the buying and spending power of the clubs is greater than anything around Europe, and the pressure is on to have immediate success, it is easier to go and buy the finished product from abroad.
“There was always this blockage for young English players, now they’re getting their chance.
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“Those two boys at Arsenal, Saka and Smith Rowe, have been a huge breath of fresh air in their team and there are more across the country if they get their opportunity.”
Adams undecided on Odegaard
Arsenal legend Tony Adams believes the ‘jury is out’ on Real Madrid loan star Martin Odegaard.
The Gunners signed Odegaard on loan until the end of the season towards the end of the January transfer window with Mikel Arteta short of creativity in the first half of the campaign.
Odegaard was introduced teasingly, but he has started two of Arsenal’s last three and he also came on in the first half as Arsenal beat Leicester City 3-1 away from home on Sunday.
The Norwegian midfielder’s influence has been felt with quick, smart passes aplenty, but former Arsenal defender Adams is still unsure whether Odegaard is suited to the Premier League.
“The Premier League is a bit special with respect that Odegaard has come into this league,” he told Stadium Astro.
(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
“Some people respond to it and can do it, some people can’t.
“If you get them in on loan and go ‘let’s have a look if he can do it or not, if he can play in this league’.
“I think the jury’s out. I think he’s a super player, very talented. But is the Premier League for him? Not too sure about that.”
Duo make team of the week
Two Arsenal players have made a Team of the Week after the weekend’s win over Leicester City.
BBC pundit Garth Crooks selected Luiz and Willian for his Premier League team of the week after the part they played in the 3-1 away victory.
“You can’t tell me the move for his goal wasn’t planned,” Crooks said of Luiz. “David Luiz and Willian knew exactly what they were doing.
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“Luiz looked totally uninterested during the set-up with his hands on his hips watching events. His movement across the face of the six-yard box was excellent and matched only by his header – Arsenal’s equaliser.
Speaking about Willian’s contribution, Crooks added: “To be out of the team for such long periods and to come back into the Arsenal side and perform so well against an in-form Leicester, and away from home, was impressive.
“Willian has struggled since his arrival at Emirates Stadium, although he made my team of the week after an impressive debut against Fulham in the opening game of the season.”