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Southampton vs Arsenal: FA Cup – Opposition Threats

By Edward Waugh

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 18: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal (R) celebrates with teammates Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Cedric Soares of Arsenal after scoring their team's first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on January 18, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around England remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 18: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal (R) celebrates with teammates Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Cedric Soares of Arsenal after scoring their team's first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on January 18, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around England remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

Emile Smith-Rowe – Midfielder

Despite Buyako Saka being Arsenal’s best player this season, Emile Smith-Rowe has been the best player for the Londoners over the past month and has been the missing piece for Mikel Arteta’s men in terms of attacking prowess.

Three assists in five Premier League starts is an insane return for the 20-year-old, easy to say his transition into the first team has been similar of a duck to water – very easy. Funnily enough Southampton were linked with Smith-Rowe all the way back in the summer, and its easy to see why now as the Arsenal academy-graduate has been impressive every time he has featured for The Gunners and has become a first-team starter.

Smith-Rowe is chipping in with two key passes per game currently, and therefore midfielders James Ward-Prowse and Ibrahima Diallo will need to cut off the supply lines between Smith-Rowe and striker Alexandre Lacazette quickly and efficiently to stiff Arsenal chances of scoring. Keeping a clean sheet on Saturday will be imperative to advancing in the cup competition given that Saints have been struggling to create chances of their own of late.