ARSENAL legend Ian Wright reckons two academy starlets “dragged” the club through its toughest times in recent years.
The Gunners floundered between the end of Arsene Wenger‘s 22-year reign in May 2018 and Mikel Arteta’s arrival as boss in December 2019.
Unai Emery, now in charge of Aston Villa, flopped in his 18 months at the helm for Arsenal.
The Spaniard was finally sacked when a 2-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt at a half-empty Emirates made it seven winless games in a row.
The Gunners were eighth at the time but, after a month under caretaker chief Freddie Ljungberg, Arteta took over to earn a fifth-place finish.
The ex-Arsenal midfielder has since guided the club to runners-up spot in the Premier League for the past two seasons.
But Wrighty believes a pair of home-grown talents deserve more credit than many might realise for holding the Gunners together before Arteta’s appointment.
One name will be no surprise – because of his achievements then and now.
But Wright’s other choice is more thought-provoking – as the player in question has been forced to depart the Emirates to revive his career.
Step forward winger Bukayo Saka, now 23, and 24-year-old attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe.
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Saka has gone on to win 42 England caps while fellow Londoner Smith Rowe picked up three before losing his regular Arsenal place, partly due to injuries.
Wright said: “When you consider when he (Saka) got into the Arsenal side, where Arsenal were.
“It was almost on him and Emile Smith Rowe’s shoulders to try and get Arsenal through a certain period in the (Alexandre) Lacazette and (Pierre-Emerick) Aubameyang period, in and around that time.
“He was around 19 and 20. They dragged the club through.
“Just being able to support them two kept the fans going and gave Mikel the support he needed. It was down to them two.”
Frontmen Lacazette and Aubameyang both finally left the Gunners in 2022 – the latter leaving under a cloud for Barcelona after disciplinary problems at the Emirates.
After such an uncertain period, Arsenal have finished second twice in succession – their highest position since 2016, although the last time they actually lifted the Prem crown was 20 years ago.
Meanwhile, Saka has become Arsenal’s main man but Smith Rowe left in August for Fulham, where he’s quickly regained his dazzling best form.
GABRIEL headed in the only goal of the game as a depleted Arsenal snatched all three points in the North London Derby.
Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Gunners players…
DAVID RAYA – 8/10
Commanded his area well, and was a safe pair of hands throughout the game. Another great showing in what has been a spectacular start for the Spanish stopper.
JURRIEN TIMBER – 7
Did well from an attacking perspective, charging down the left hand side on various occasions. Solid defensively too against Spurs’ flying right side of Johnson and Porro.
Some would argue he should’ve been sent off for a challenge on Pedro Porro in the first half, but he escaped despite squaring up to Vicario in the aftermath.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 8
A really good recovery challenge in the first half to deny Dominic Solanke, despite being booked early on.
You can always count on Saliba to put in a solid display, and he didn’t disappoint today with fantastic passing out from the back too.
GABRIEL – 9
A fantastic defensive showing throughout, reinforced with a towering header inside the box to give his side the lead from a set piece (shock).
Has formed an impeccable partnership with Saliba, personified by their heartwarming celebration together after the opener. He’s the man.
BEN WHITE – 6
Gave away the ball in a dangerous position in the first half, with Solanke failing to capitalise and had a tough first half against the quick feet of Heung Min-Son.
Was not able to demonstrate the dangerous right-hand side overlap we saw work so effectively last season, but wasn’t threatened in the second 45.
JORGINHO – 4
Struggled to replace the suspended Declan Rice for this North London derby, whom the Gunners really missed.
A tough task, but didn’t come close to matching Rice’s intensity or ability to drive the ball up the pitch which left Arsenal weak in the forward areas.
THOMAS PARTEY – 5
Struggled in transition with Jorginho alongside him, another player who felt the full force of no Rice and Odegaard.
Not fast enough with or without the ball, and will need to perk his ideas up for City next week.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6
Looked like a bright spark with his running and forward movement, but was let down by his end product or lack thereof.
Worked really really hard throughout, just looks short of confidence in the last actions.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6
Dropping deeper into more of a midfield role than he’s used to today, it should be noted that he did a job for the team when they needed him.
Not the flying efficiency machine we have seen him be from the bench, but his versatility will be needed this season it seems.
BUKAYO SAKA – 7
Didn’t make the kind of impact on the game we are used to seeing from the brilliant Bukayo Saka, and looked less of a threat without Martin Odegaard to combine with.
Did some really good defensive work nonetheless, and delivered the perfect corner to claim the assist for Gabriel’s opener.
KAI HAVERTZ – 6
A good header in the first half was saved well by Vicario in the spurs net – actually made more clearances (3) than he managed shots on target (2) in the first 45.
Was a handful for the Spurs defence, but largely nullified by the pace and power of Mickey Van de Ven and Cristian Romero.
