Arsenal 1-0 Watford: 5 Talking Points | EPL 2021/22

#3 Nuno Tavares continues to impress

Nuno Tavares has started 5 games for Arsenal this season

Coming into the game, a lot was made of Kieran Tierney’s return to the squad. The Scotsman has been Arsenal’s starting left-back for the past couple of seasons with no real competition. That was the case until this summer when Nuno Tavares was bought for a measly £6.8m. Granted, at the time nobody believed he would challenge Tierney for his spot but where there are injuries, there are opportunities. Nuno Tavares has taken his.

In Tierney’s absence, Tavares has been a breath of fresh air down the left-hand side. His exuberance, energy and unpredictability have made him a useful asset in Arsenal’s attacking transitions. Mikel Arteta finally has two competent left-backs and the competition between them will only breed excellence.

#2 Does Lacazette deserve a contract extension?

Alexandre Lacazette's future currently hangs in the balance.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better professional in modern football than Alexandre Lacazette. Despite being relegated to the bench and out of Mikel Arteta’s plans, the Frenchman has upheld professional integrity to the highest order.

Whenever given a chance to play, the 30-year-old has pressed from the front, won fouls and linked play exceptionally. His energy and work rate has inspired those around him to follow suit, transferring a mentality shift across the team.

Mikel Arteta has instilled an atmosphere of competition in the dressing room where regardless of status, price tag or salary, you will have to work for your place. Lacazette, someone who’s not been offered a new contract, is keeping the club’s star creative signing Martin Ødegaard on the bench. Now, this begs the question - should the Frenchman be rewarded with a new contract for his performances on the pitch?

#1 Emile Smith-Rowe is England’s most in-form player

Is ESR the best young talent in the league?

It’s simply laughable that Emile Smith-Rowe wasn’t called up to Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad. Last month, the England manager said the youngster was close to getting a call-up and would be monitored accordingly. Since then, Smith-Rowe has scored three goals and provided one assist, making him the hottest young talent in the Premier League today.

So far this season, the 21-year-old has had six goal involvements in 11 PL appearances, averaging a goal or assist every 148 minutes. In comparison, £100m man Jack Grealish has only produced three-goal involvements. Emile Smith-Rowe is knocking on the door and when he eventually breaks it down, there will be no stopping him.