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International break catch-up: Five takeaways from Arsenal’s season so far

By Kian Long

Arsenal's Alex Iwobi celebrates to the fans after Alexandre Lacazette (back) scores his side's second goal of the game during the Premier League match at Craven Cottage, London. (Photo by John Walton/PA Images via Getty Images)
Arsenal's Alex Iwobi celebrates to the fans after Alexandre Lacazette (back) scores his side's second goal of the game during the Premier League match at Craven Cottage, London. (Photo by John Walton/PA Images via Getty Images) /
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Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi celebrates to the fans after Alexandre Lacazette (back) scores his side’s second goal of the game during the Premier League match at Craven Cottage, London. (Photo by John Walton/PA Images via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi celebrates to the fans after Alexandre Lacazette (back) scores his side’s second goal of the game during the Premier League match at Craven Cottage, London. (Photo by John Walton/PA Images via Getty Images) /

4. Iwobi, Guendouzi and Smith Rowe are exceptional

Perhaps the main revelation of the season from a Gunners perspective is Alex Iwobi. He’s always been in and around the starting eleven, but I don’t think anybody expected him to be quite as good as he has been under Emery.

He’s got skills in abundance, and the Emirates Stadium faithful are seeing those a lot more often than they used to. While skills aren’t the be-all or end-all, they certainly signify confidence, which is what Emery has given the young Nigerian.

Matteo Guendouzi started the season off well, however he is yet to nail a place in the midfield. And understandably so, because as I said, it’s quite an exceptional midfield. Still, he picked up his first Arsenal goal recently against Qarabag FK in the Europa League, which will give him immense confidence.

Unai Emery is good when it comes to man-management. I saw this while he was at Paris Saint-Germain, but I never expected it to come into this much effect at Arsenal. Players I never expected to come through have come through.

However, I did expect Emile Smith Rowe to endure a good season. If you’re a follower of the youth academy, you’ll know all about Smith Rowe. He is their prized possession currently, always looking to add his own spark to attacking play. He is another player who picked up his first goal against Qarabag, but don’t worry, there’s plenty more where that came from.

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