Martin Keown compares Emile Smith Rowe to Arsenal legend

Arsenal to face Leicester

Arsenal are set to face off with Leicester City later today.

The Foxes had an indifferent start to the season but have grown in confidence, recently smashing Manchester United 4-2.

Man United would use a 4-2-3-1 set-up when they faced and were convincingly beaten by Leicester.

This shape is what Arsenal are currently using and, as they have enjoyed success with it in recent weeks, are likely to stick with it vs Leicester.

Keown compares Smith Rowe to former Arsenal star

This is something that Martin Keown has recently been discussing in his column for the Daily Mail:

Manchester United, using the same 4-2-3-1 shape which Arsenal are using, were thumped 4-2 in Leicester’s last Premier League home game two weeks ago. 

Brendan Rodgers’ rampant side managed 11 shots on target that day – the third-most of any top-flight team in a match this season.

However, Keown was also quick to point out the difference between Arsenal and Man United using a 4-2-3-1.

And that is that Arsenal have players, in the form of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, who are prepared to track back to help out defensively:

The difference, though, is Arsenal have wide players in Saka and Smith Rowe who are prepared to track back and help their team defensively.

Keown would then compare Smith Rowe to Arsenal legend Ray Parlour following his recent showing vs Aston Villa:

The way Smith Rowe was tucking into midfield against Villa reminded me of Ray Parlour and the defensive shifts he would put in. 

That game saw Lacazette make his first league start of the season. His presence is immensely important for Arsenal’s youngsters. 

Saka and Smith Rowe are talented young players who are improving all the time and Lacazette, along with Aubameyang, are important individuals in that learning process. 

MARTIN KEOWN TALKS TACTICS: Young Arsenal stars’ work rate gives Mikel Arteta’s side balance | @martinkeown5 https://t.co/L973o756tE

— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) October 30, 2021

Newcastle United vs Chelsea betting tips: Preview, predictions & odds

Manchester City vs Crystal Palace betting tips: Preview, predictions & odds