Tom Hancock

Things are going swimmingly for Arsenal with only one loss since August — but Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe are giving manager Mikel Arteta a headache.

Both players started in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Newcastle but Smith Rowe’s ever-increasing prominence has largely forced Odegaard to settle for a place on the bench of late.

So, as the Gunners prepare for tonight’s trip to Manchester United, we consider how Arteta can consistently find room for the duo in his line-up.

Having broken through as a first-team regular in the second half of last season, Smith Rowe has gone from strength to strength and become an integral figure in Arsenal’s revival.

The 21-year-old academy product sits alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as the Gunners’ joint-top scorer in the Premier League this term, finding the net four times so far.

Only Bukayo Saka has created more chances (21) than Smith Rowe (17), while both have provided two assists — also the joint-most in the squad.

Deployed largely on the left but also able to operate in a central role befitting the No10 on his shirt, Smith Rowe has become a highly valuable, versatile cog in Arteta’s attacking set-up.

Emile Smith Rowe has been Arsenal's creator-in-chief this season

It has been almost a year since Odegaard first joined Arsenal on loan from Real Madrid but supporters in North London have questioned just how much he has brought to the team.

The Norway captain has lagged behind Smith Rowe on the creativity front, conjuring just 0.06 big chances per 90 minutes and only providing 0.12 assists per 90 compared to his team-mate’s rate of 0.21 in each of those categories.

Despite coming up with some big goals, such as the equaliser in March’s 2-1 North London derby victory over Tottenham and a winner at Burnley earlier this season, there is a sense that Odegaard still has much to prove at Arsenal.

Martin Odegaard may lack attacking returns but he has often been the lynchpin of Arsenal's attacking play since his arrival

Martin Odegaard may lack attacking returns but he has often been the linchpin of Arsenal's attacking play since his arrival

Odegaard may not have directly contributed to Arsenal’s attacking output to a great extent but his less easily quantifiable qualities should not be discounted.

The 22-year-old has demonstrated great intelligence when pressing, forcing 5.62 turnovers of possession per 90 — the most of any Gunners player to play 450 minutes this season.

In that sense, Arteta may see Odegaard as an ideal foil to complement the flair and freedom of Smith Rowe.

Despite not hitting top form so far, Odegaard seems happy at the Emirates and feels he has developed a positive understanding with Smith Rowe and his other team-mates.

Speaking in September, he said: "We have Emile, Bukayo and also a lot of other young players.

"We are getting along really well on and off the pitch because everyone is young. With time, it will get better and better.

"And hopefully, we will get to know each other more and understand where each player wants the ball. I feel that will improve.

"But I already feel that we have a great connection."

Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard have operated in different areas of the pitch for Arsenal this term

As impressive as Arsenal’s recent form has been, all managers can do with an impact sub to lean on in moments of need.

Leaving Odegaard on the bench gives Arteta an extra option in the event that his side need a little bit of added spark mid-match.

Equally, the Gunners have looked more structured with just Smith Rowe on the pitch from the start — partly because when Odegaard has featured in the same XI, it has sometimes been in an unnatural deeper midfield role.

There is room for both players in North London, but keeping the Norwegian playmaker in reserve may be the smartest approach for Arsenal in the weeks ahead.

Premier League

LiveScore

Martin Odegaard made his first start for Arsenal since mid-October against Newcastle — can he keep his place in Mikel Arteta's starting XI, and how can the Gunners boss fit the Norwegian and star man Emile Smith Rowe into his side?

Arsenal

Manchester United

Talking Tactics: Smith Rowe fights Odegaard for creator-in-chief role

Matthew Hill

Title contenders Liverpool welcome in-form Arsenal to Anfield this evening in a mouth-watering Premier League clash.

With the Gunners arriving off the back of a 10-game unbeaten streak in all competitions, confidence will be high but they will have to be at their very best to trouble the Reds on their own turf.

Which players would make it into a combined XI from the two sides? We put our LiveScore team together — read on to see who makes the cut.

<h2>Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)</h2>

There can be little disputing that Reds stopper Alisson ranks among the best in world football — but on recent form, we have opted for Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale in between the sticks.

Since arriving at the Emirates from relegated Sheffield United, Ramsdale’s impact has been nothing short of phenomenal and his fine form was rewarded with a first England cap earlier this week.

<h2>Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)</h2>

It is easy to forget that Liverpool’s flying full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is only 23 years old, such is the stature he already holds in world football.

The academy product is already approaching 200 senior appearances for his boyhood club and is one of the best in the world in his position — he strolls into our combined XI.

<h2>Centre-back: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)</h2>

Virgil van Dijk is one of the easiest selections for our combined XI

Having missed the bulk of last season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, Virgil van Dijk has wasted little time restoring himself as one of the best defenders on the planet in recent months.&nbsp;

The dominant Dutchman was voted the PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 2019 and proved pivotal to the Reds’ Premier League title triumph the following season, making him an obvious choice for our side.

<h2>Centre-back: Ben White (Arsenal)</h2>

A signing which came under intense scrutiny at the time, former Brighton defender Ben White has been quietly impressing at the heart of a much-improved Gunners defence this term.

Since the 5-0 thrashing from champions Manchester City in August, Arsenal have only conceded four goals in ten outings across all competitions — with White starting all but one of those clashes.

<h2>Left-back: Andy Robertson (Liverpool)</h2>

Like his team-mate Alexander-Arnold, Robertson has thrived as a marauding defender in Jurgen Klopp’s expansive system and has arguably been the most reliable performer in Liverpool’s side in recent years.

A workhorse who rarely comes out on the wrong side of a one-on-one duel, Robertson has also proved himself an asset going forward with 31 Premier League assists since the start of the 2018-19 season.

<h2>Defensive midfield: Thomas Partey (Arsenal)</h2>

Arsenal's Thomas Partey has made a real impact this season when fit

It is no coincidence that Arsenal’s season started to turn around as soon as their Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey made his return from injury in September.

The 28-year-old former Atletico Madrid ace is a commanding presence in front of the Gunners’ backline and will only continue to improve with more Premier League experience under his belt.

<h2>Defensive midfield: Fabinho (Liverpool)</h2>

After the loss of Gini Wijnladum in the summer, Liverpool’s midfield has had an inconsistent look to it so far this term — but Fabinho remains one of the Reds’ most reliable operators in the centre of the park.

Possessing a versatile skillset, the Brazilian is a calming presence on those around him and is one of the most underrated cogs in Klopp’s well-oiled machine.

<h2>Right wing: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)</h2>

Liverpool’s mercurial forward Mohamed Salah is firmly in the conversation to be the best player on the planet, so the Egyptian’s place in this XI is not up for debate.

The forward’s numbers continue to defy belief, with 15 goals in as many games across the Premier League and Champions League this season — a record to strike fear into any opposition defender.

<h2>Attacking midfield: Emile Smith Rowe (Arsenal)</h2>

Emile Smith Rowe looks set to light up the Premier League for many years to come

One of the revelations of this season so far, Gunners wonderkid Smith Rowe is another who saw his fine form at club level rewarded with a first England cap earlier this week.

Capable of playing off the flank or centrally, the 21-year-old is a menace in between the lines and heads to Anfield having netted in his last three appearances.

<h2>Left wing: Sadio Mane (Liverpool)</h2>

It is testament to Salah’s brilliance that Sadio Mane’s efforts are frequently kept out of the headlines — the Senegalese star is one of elite football’s most productive attackers and walks into our team.

With his blistering pace and outstanding close control, the winger revels in tormenting his opponents and his 64 goals across the last three full campaigns illustrates a truly world-class level of consistency.&nbsp;

<h2>Centre forward: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal)</h2>

While he has not been the most consistent performer in recent times, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang seems perfectly suited to lead the line for our combined XI.

The Arsenal captain is starting to find some of his best form this term with seven goals in his last 10 games and his willing running in behind would certainly reap rewards with this ultra-talented supporting cast.

Be sure to let us know who would make your Liverpool and Arsenal combined XI

What do you think of our combined XI? Drop us a<a href="http://www.twitter.com/livescore" target="_blank"> tweet</a> and let us know your thoughts.

Title contenders Liverpool welcome in-form Arsenal to Anfield on Saturday evening in a mouth-watering Premier League clash. Check out our LiveScore combined XI from the two star-studded squads.

Liverpool

Liverpool vs Arsenal: Check out LiveScore’s combined XI

Matthew Storey

Emile Smith Rowe may be an international footballer by the next time he pulls on an Arsenal shirt.

Called up to the England squad as an injury replacement, the 21-year-old is in Gareth Southgate’s thinking for the games with Albania and San Marino.

Breaking into the Three Lions side is no easy task these days, even if you are ripping up the Premier League.

So how has Smith Rowe found himself making the step up so quickly?

Last season, Smith Rowe made his first Premier League appearance on Boxing Day.

Between then and the end of the campaign, he played 20 times for the Gunners in the league but only managed two goals and four assists.

And after five games without a goal contribution to kick off this season, it looked like Smith Rowe’s end product was still lacking.

But four strikes and two assists in his past six league games have proven he can be clinical, leading the wider footballing world to wake up to his ability.

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville reckons he is better than a certain Cristiano Ronaldo at the same age after the Croydon-born youngster talked up becoming one of the best in the world.

Neville said: "He’s a beautiful footballer and he’s got a long way to go in his career.&nbsp;

"Cristiano Ronaldo wasn’t as clinical and ruthless at that age.

"But that’s where he has got to get to. To the point where by every single game, they want to be the best.&nbsp;

"They want to score the winner. They believe they are going to score the winner. Confidence is unbelievable."

Emile Smith Rowe has been in brilliant form for Arsenal

Part of Smith Rowe's improvement is down to the realisation that he needs to treat his body right.

His natural ability on the ball is clear for all to see — but the top footballers combine that ability with complete dedication to their craft.

Smith Rowe has admitted that is something he had never really done before. Now that he is, performances are speaking for themselves.

He said: "I didn't used to eat that well to be honest. I used to get cramp after 60 minutes and stuff.&nbsp;

"I wasn't eating great, I wasn't drinking that well, before games I wasn't really that hydrated but since then I've tried to focus so much on it.

"My family have helped me a lot in the house as well, cooking for me. It was mainly my diet, nutrition and stuff like that. That's really helped me.

"They [Arsenal] are strict but I didn't really listen to be honest, I think that's where I went wrong. But now I'm listening, all the time.&nbsp;

"I like Nandos a lot. Maybe that's killing me a little bit. I've tried to cut out chocolate and takeaways as much as I can. I'm always eating from home now."

After rumours linked him with a switch to Aston Villa, Smith Rowe signed a long-term deal at the Emirates in late July.

Whereas other players have seemingly taken their foot off the gas after securing lucrative paydays in North London, the academy hero has done completely the opposite.

It has given him the confidence to nail down a regular spot and seemingly driven him to new heights.

Arsenal legend Ian Wright recently said: "If you spoke to him last season when he was in and out just before he really blasted in, all he spoke about was: 'I just want to be consistent and I just want to score more goals.'

"When you think about the time he said that to what he’s doing now, he’s actually doing it.

"What I’m absolutely over the moon with is that he got this massive contract, a lot of money and it’s literally not fazed him one bit. That is a fantastic sign.

"People don’t realise that. With certain players there’s a drop off because the comfort is now in and they can have anything.&nbsp;

"So you find that somewhere along the line, something kind of softens.

"It’s nothing like that with him and it’s nothing like that with [Bukayo] Saka.&nbsp;

"They’re not swayed or after anything other than success. It’s so exciting for Arsenal."

Emile Smith Rowe has found his feet in front of goal this season

After initially being overlooked for the current squad, Marcus Rashford’s injury opened up a spot for Smith Rowe.

England are not short of quality in attacking areas with the likes of Phil Foden, Mason Mount and Jack Grealish all ahead of the Gunners man in the current pecking order.

But Southgate is likely to hand him his international debut in the coming days having already been impressed with him in training.

Southgate said: "We have brought him to be involved with the team in the two matches. He has settled really well.&nbsp;

"He obviously knows a couple of his club team-mates and Phil [Foden] from the [England] Under-17s.&nbsp;

"This is a group that makes new players very welcome so it's not a difficult environment to settle in and his quality has been apparent from the way he has trained."

A regular England spot may be hard to claim — and to do so, Smith Rowe may need to first fire Arsenal back into the Champions League.

It is four seasons since the Gunners dined at European football’s top table.

But their current eight-game unbeaten league run has fans dreaming of a return to the top four.

And Mikel Arteta has called on their No10 to be the man that takes them there.

The Spanish coach said: "We’re demanding that to get to another level he needs to start deciding games.

"He’s capable of doing that, he believes in that now, he’s confident and he needs to continue doing it."

World Cup

Emile Smith Rowe may be an international footballer by the next time he pulls on an Arsenal shirt. How has he found himself making the step up to the senior squad so quickly?

England

In Focus: Smith Rowe Gunning for the top with club and country

International football returns tonight as countries across Europe look to book their spot at the 2022 World Cup.

Gareth Southgate's England play Albania tomorrow evening and preparations for the clash have been hit by injuries and illness.

A number of withdrawals mean Southgate will be without some of his England regulars against Albania and San Marino.

But that opens up opportunities for others and Arsenal youngster Emile Smith Rowe is one of the beneficiaries.

Called up to replace the injured Marcus Rashford, Smith Rowe will want to replicate his club form for the Three Lions.

<a href="https://www.livescore.com/en/news/emile-smith-rowe-gunning-for-the-top-with-arsenal-and-england-2021111115430622174/" target="_self">Read more: Smith Rowe Gunning for the top with club and country</a>

Read more: Smith Rowe Gunning for the top with club and country

One area that constantly gives Southgate a selection headache is the right-back spot.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James, Kyle Walker and even the dropped Kieran Trippier could all lay claim to being the country’s first choice.

We discuss who should be in the England boss’ starting XI.

<a href="https://www.livescore.com/en/news/england-right-back-battle-gives-gareth-southgate-a-huge-selection-headache-2021111114080954974/" target="_self">Read more: The battle to be England's starting right-back</a>

Read more: The battle to be England's starting right-back

Reece James is one of a number of players battling for the right-back spot

Portugal take on the Republic of Ireland tonight knowing three points are vital in the battle for World Cup qualification.

Cristiano Ronaldo's side are one point behind Serbia at the top of Group A but this is their game in hand on their rivals.

And with the two meeting in a group decider on Sunday, the Portuguese will land a huge blow if they can see off the struggling Irish.

One man who could be key for them is Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo — we turn the spotlight on the 27-year-old.

<a href="https://www.livescore.com/en/news/manchester-citys-joao-cancelo-is-key-to-portugals-world-cup-quest-2021110916564597536/" target="_self">Read more: First-class Citizen Cancelo is key to Portugal’s quest for Qatar</a>

Read more: First-class Citizen Cancelo is key to Portugal’s quest for Qatar

Teams will continue to book their spots at Qatar 2022 over the next six days of international football.

Keep checking our guide to those who have qualified to make sure you know who will be lining up at the World Cup next November.

<a href="https://www.livescore.com/en/news/2022-fifa-world-cup-teams-who-have-qualified-for-qatar-2021111115394885951/" target="_self">Read more: The teams who have already qualified for the World Cup in Qatar</a>

Read more: The teams who have already qualified for the World Cup in Qatar

And the end of this stage of qualifying means the next edition of the Nations League is drawing ever closer.

We have put everything you need to know about the popular UEFA tournament all in one place.

<a href="https://www.livescore.com/en/news/when-is-the-nations-league-draw-everything-you-need-to-know-2021111014254990945/" target="_self">Read more: When is the Nations League draw? Everything you need to know</a>

Read more: When is the Nations League draw? Everything you need to know

All you need to know about the Nations League is included in our helpful guide

Aston Villa have swooped to hire Steven Gerrard as their new head coach.

We have all the details on the Liverpool legend's appointment, as he leaves defending Scottish champions Rangers.

<a href="https://www.livescore.com/en/news/aston-villa-name-liverpool-legend-steven-gerrard-as-new-manager-2021111012082942789/" target="_self">Read more: Villa appoint Liverpool legend Gerrard as boss</a>

Read more: Villa appoint Liverpool legend Gerrard as boss

The fact we are in an international break does stop the transfer rumour mill from churning too.

Check out the latest gossip from the world of club football in our daily column.

<a href="https://www.livescore.com/en/news/transfer-talk-november-11-2021-manchester-united-ponder-paul-pogba-pay-rise-2021111110273081917/" target="_self">Read more: Transfer Talk — United ponder Pogba pay rise

</a>

Read more: Transfer Talk — United ponder Pogba pay rise

UEFA Nations League

England are back in action tomorrow night and Gareth Southgate’s preparations for the Albania clash have been hit by injuries and illness. A number of withdrawals mean Southgate will be without some of his regulars.

Ireland

Portugal

Today on LiveScore: Illness and injuries hamper England

Mitchell Fretton

Matchday 11 in the Premier League saw West Ham topple Liverpool, Manchester City win at Old Trafford and Norwich pick up their first win of the season.&nbsp;

Chelsea, Spurs and Brighton all dropped points, while Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Southampton picked up impressive wins.&nbsp;

We pick out the standout performers from this weekend's action.&nbsp;

<h2>Conor Gallagher (Crystal Palace)&nbsp;</h2>

Conor Gallagher was named as a standout performer last weekend and he thoroughly deserves another mention.

Crystal Palace have not lost in the Premier League since September 18 and Gallagher has been instrumental in keeping the Eagles on an upwards trajectory in that time.

Despite being snubbed by England boss Gareth Southgate for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, the Chelsea loanee continues to elevate his game under Patrick Vieira's tutelage.

The 21-year old scored for the Eagles as they dispatched Wolves at Selhurst Park on Saturday, and the England Under-21s star was at the heart of almost every Palace attack.

A delighted Vieira said: "His performance has been terrific — it’s been excellent. It’s just about how he closes people down and the energy he is giving the team.

"He is in a really good period — he is scoring goals and working well for the team."

Since Claudio Ranieri's reign at Watford commenced, Ben Foster has found himself starting all of the Hornets' four games under the Italian.

Although his side fell to defeat at the Emirates, Foster saved a penalty and made a number of point-blank stops to keep the score at just 1-0.

And Ranieri has stated that he had faith in Foster to save the spot-kick.

The 70-year-old said: "Always I'm positive. I said there was a penalty, maybe Ben [Foster] can save this penalty. It was a great save."

The former England No1 was inspirational in goal in a battling performance from Watford, who will be looking to pick up points when the Premier League resumes in a few weeks.

Ben Foster had an excellent game against Arsenal

<h2>Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)</h2>

Bernardo Silva played a pivotal role in City's dismantling of rivals Manchester United on Saturday.

The former Monaco midfielder dictated the match at the heart of City's constant press against the hosts.&nbsp;

Silva played high up the pitch during the game as the reigning champions spent most of the game in the opposition's half, restricting United to just four touches in the City penalty box.&nbsp;

Following his performance, Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness labelled the 27-year-old as an "absolute dream of a player".

The former Liverpool midfielder went on to say: "Any team in the world would take him in a heartbeat. He's top notch and has no flaws in his game.

"When you look at your players you know what you're getting from him. He’s willing to put his foot in, he’ll press and have delivery. I just think he’s fabulous. I'd imagine he's a dream to work with."

West Ham will be delighted with how Kurt Zouma has adapted to his new team this season.

The former Chelsea man made the switch from West London in the summer and was impressive in the Hammers' 3-2 win over Liverpool on Sunday.

Zouma, 27, scored the third goal — his first for the club — as West Ham moved up to third in the table, level on points with second-placed City.

The man of the match was full of confidence in his post-match interview, saying: "It was quite an open game, there were some chances for both sides, but we were more clean-cut today, we stayed strong at the end, we dug deep and we got the win."

The £29.8million West Ham paid for him in the summer may well prove to be a bargain for the Champions League hopefuls as they continue to demonstrate their fine form in the Premier League.

Kurt Zouma has enjoyed life at West Ham so far

Emile Smith Rowe is another to have been knocking on the door for England and the Arsenal youngster finally has his first call up following injuries to Marcus Rashford and James Ward-Prowse.

The 21-year-old put in another fine performance for the Gunners on Sunday and scored the only goal of the game as they swept Watford aside to extend their run to 10 games unbeaten.&nbsp;

Matchday 11 in the Premier League saw more drama, upsets and exciting football. Antonio Conte's Tottenham reign began, while Norwich picked up their first win of the season. Meanwhile, Manchester City dominated Manchester United and Burnley held Chelsea.

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