Seeing your team perform well on the pitch is one thing, but when academy products become part of the success, it always makes it extra special.
For Bukayo Saka, that has become a regular occurrence over the past couple of years, with the 21-year-old establishing himself as one of the most exciting young players in the game through a number of standout performances and contributions for Arsenal. Emile Smith Rowe has also enjoyed much success since breaking into the first team back in 2018, and it could be argued that he would be making similar strides to his fellow Hale End graduate if it wasn't for recent injury setbacks.
Nevertheless, the reception which welcomed Smith Rowe back onto the Emirates Stadium pitch during Arsenal's emphatic 4-0 win over Everton on Wednesday was a reminder of how much he is loved, and it was perhaps rather fitting that he made his return on a night that highlighted the special talent that has - and continues - to emerge from Hale End.
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Saka's goal against the Toffees means he is now the fourth-highest scorer (10) aged 21 or younger in Europe's top five leagues this season. His assist for Gabriel Martinelli also means the England International has provided more assists (9) than any U21 player in Europe's top five divisions during the current campaign.
To top it all off, Saka's recent goal contributions have seen him become the 19th player in the Gunners' history to reach a combined 50 goals and assists in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, another Hale End product continues to make an impression away from north London. Folarin Balogun currently finds himself as the highest-scoring player aged 21 or younger in Europe's top five leagues, having bagged 15 goals during his loan spell at Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims so far.
Arsenal's midweek victory has sent them five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table with 13 games remaining, but regardless of what happens between now and May 28th, the future of Arsenal Football Club is looking very bright indeed.
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