Thierry Henry talks up Saka, Smith Rowe performances in North London derby

Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe have earned high praise from Thierry Henry for their performances in Sunday's convincing North London derby win over Tottenham Hotspur.

The two Hale End graduates combined for the Gunners' first goal on the day - with Smith Rowe darting into space to finish from Saka's ball into the box before turning provider for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's strike.

Saka would proceed to round off a first-half flurry of goals with Arsenal's third not long after, and the two English youngsters caught the eye of Arsenal's top goalscorer as he watched on from the stands.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Henry said: "Bukayo Saka and Smith Rowe, I think the team played really well especially in the first half. But then for me those two having a goal and an assist, Arsenal played that game as a derby as they should, I don't think Tottenham did especially in the second half.

"What a day, you want to see that more often than not but for me the two kids especially for the academy and what it does represent, it is contagious.

"We need that Arsenal, we need these types of performances and that's why we care when the guys that add that DNA in them because they know what it is to win and not suffer against Tottenham."

Arsenal rose to 10th in the Premier League table following their third top-flight win on the bounce and now prepare for the trip to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.