Arsenal duo Smith Rowe & Saka make Premier League history

The young Gunners duo continued to make their mark by helping steer the club to another victory and making a bit of history in the process.

Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka became the first English pair to combine for at least three Premier League goals before reaching the age of 21 during Monday’s victory over Newcastle United.

Their historic moment came on the hour-mark at the Emirates. Smith Rowe’s pullback found its way to Saka, who then slotted the ball into the bottom right-hand corner of the net with a left-footed strike to double Arsenal’s lead.

Gunners skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, meanwhile, scored the other two goals to seal an impressive 3-0 win.

3 – Emile Smith Rowe has assisted three of Bukayo Saka's Premier League goals – they are the first English duo to combine for as many as three Premier League goals before either player has turned the age of 21. Future. #ARSNEW pic.twitter.com/1CrEzLhPPi

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 18, 2021

But once again, the spotlight was on Smith Rowe. The 20-year-old has repaid Mikel Arteta’s faith with some sublime performances, creating 10 goalscoring opportunities in only five Premier League starts so far, and appears ready to fill the void left behind by Mesut Ozil.

The youngster, who previously went out on loan to RB Leipzig and Huddersfield Town, has been a welcome breath of fresh air in the Gunners midfield.

“I have been abroad and in the Championship and it developed me so much on and off the pitch,” Smith Rowe told Sky Sports. “I feel I have grown and matured into a stronger and more confident person.

“The manager is giving me a chance now. I am so grateful and want to repay him and show him I am good enough to be in this team.”

Arsenal return to action on Saturday for an FA Cup fourth-round tie against either Southampton or Shrewsbury Town.