There is plenty of negativity surrounding Arsenal at this moment in time.
The Gunners' Premier League campaign has got off to a torrid start after failing to score in either of their opening two fixtures, losing both matches 2-0 in all-too-familiar fashion.
Mikel Arteta's side looked weak against newly-promoted Brentford on the opening day of the season before Romelu Lukaku and Chelsea bullied them throughout Sunday's London derby as the Emirates crowd jeered their own players for their disappointing display.
However, one of the few shining lights for Arsenal was young midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, who played all 180 minutes of the first two contests, often gliding past players in transition as he shouldered much of his side's creative burden, impressing Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher along the way.
“I’m a massive fan. I loved watching him last season and I think he’s been outstanding, even though Arsenal have made such a poor start to the season", he told Sky Sports when asked who would win young player of the season.
"He was arguably the best player on the pitch at Brentford, even some of his touches against Chelsea. The way he moves with the ball, very rarely do I see any player who can receive the ball on their back foot on both sides. I’m a huge fan of his.”
Smith Rowe's fellow Hale End graduate Bukayo Saka has also earned plaudits for his consistent performances since breaking into the first team.
Saka won Arsenal's player of the year award last term and starred on Wednesday night as the Gunners beat West Brom 6-0 in the second round of the EFL Cup as the 19-year-old grabbed a goal against the Baggies in what was a convincing display for the away side.
The game even saw Arsenal fans display a brilliant new chant that pays homage to their two starlets, who will both be vying for a place in the team come Saturday as the north Londoners travel to the Etihad to face Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.
The lyrics for the catchy new chant are as follows:
l like it, I like it, I like it,
I like it, I like it,
Hale End's on a roll!
Saka and Emile Smith Rowe!
(To the tune of Status Quo - Rockin All Over The World)
