Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Tom Victor

Arsenal duo hailed by Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry - "that's what I like about you"

Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe have been big factors in Arsenal's top four chase, and the pair have been showered with praise from two of the Gunners' most recent title-winners.

The pair have delivered in a big way as Mikel Arteta's side secured back-to-back victories over Chelsea and Manchester United to return to the Champions League places. Smith Rowe was on target at Stamford Bridge while Saka converted from the penalty spot in both matches.

Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry were part of Arsene Wenger's squad for the Gunners' most recent Premier League title win, back in 2003-04. And the Invincibles were back in north London to give plaudits to the current generation after they beat Man Utd 3-1 to leapfrog neighbours Tottenham in the table.

"We learned a lot from the English guys," said Bergkamp, who joined the club in 1995. "They know what English football means. They know what Arsenal means, and you guys know that as well. So if you bring that to the team, fantastic.

"You know that aggression, that passion. That's what I like about you. You can tell you're English guys."

Will Arsenal finish fourth? Have your say in the comments section

Saka and Smith Rowe are Arsenal's leading scorers this season, with 11 and 10 league goals respectively. However, they're not the only members of the team to earn praise from a club legend after the victory over Man Utd.

Ian Wright, who won the Premier League with Arsenal in 1998, praised Mohamed Elneny after the midfielder returned to the fold with Thomas Partey injured. The Egyptian hadn't played a minute for the Gunners since New Year's Day before returning to the starting line-up against Chelsea, but played the full 180 minutes across the Gunners' back-to-back wins.

“Xhaka was magnificent, Odegaard did his stuff again, but Elneny - for someone that last played before Chelsea was in December - he came in today…dependable, professional, he never lets the team down," Wright said on Match of the Day. "He had the most passes today and the most interceptions, he just gets himself in the right position.

Elneny played a big part behind Saka and Smith Rowe (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

“He’s the kind of player, he wants to pass forward," Wright continued. "He’s somebody who kept the ball going and kept Arsenal going. He’s the kind of player - and he may leave - you come in when you haven’t played for so long and he’s been magnificent.”

Arsenal are back in action on Sunday with a trip to West Ham United. The Hammers are expected to be without a recognised senior centre-back for the game, with Craig Dawson suspended after his red card in the defeat at Chelsea.

Arteta was cagey on Saka's involvement after the England star was forced off against United. "Bukayo was struggling even first half of the match, but he really wanted to do it, he had a big knock the other night and as soon as this he was struggling, so let’s see how he is," the manager said.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.