Emile Smith Rowe repaid manager Mikel Arteta's faith after the Arsenal midfielder was handed his first Premier League start of the season against Chelsea.
The Gunners ran out 3-1 winners at the Emirates Stadium thanks to goals from Alexandre Lacazette, Granit Xhaka and Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal's win ends their recent poor run of results in the top flight, with Arteta's side up to 15th in the table.
Arteta raised eyebrows before the game by naming Smith Rowe in the starting line-up alongside Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, but the Arsenal academy graduate was impressive against Chelsea in the number 10 role.
The 20-year-old claimed an assist for Saka's goal, and looked assured on the ball throughout until he was substituted.
Speaking before the game, Arteta insisted that Smith Rowe and Martinelli both deserved their place in the team.
“They play because they deserve to play," said the Arsenal boss.
“Emile has been training really well. The games that he’s played in the Europa League and the other day when he came on, he looked really sharp.
“He gives us something different. He’s got different qualities to any other midfielder, and the same with Gabi.
“He had to come off the other day with a bad kick but he’s feeling good and we need him.”
Along with his general play, Smith Rowe sent Arsenal supporters wild on social media with a moment during the game.
Picking up the ball, the Gunners midfielder turned and nutmegged N'Golo Kante in one swift movement, leaving the France international in his wake.
The moment spurred Twitter user @Adsaros4 to write: "Loved that cheeky nutmeg from Smith-Rowe on Kante."
@JECook96 tweeted: "Smith-Rowe megging Kante then spinning Silva, what a guy."
@yandagooner said: "Smith Rowe has Kante on strings."
@onourarse wrote: "Emile Smith-Rowe went toe to toe with Kante and we’re 3-0 up. No more Willian @m8arteta @arsenal."
