Emile Smith Rowe forced to wear plain black boots in Arsenal's north London derby win; Emile Smith Rowe's goal and assist set Arsenal on course for a dominant victory over Tottenham -and he wore blacked-out boots as he performed his north London derby heroics.

Byline: By, Freddie Keighley

Arsenal playmaker Emile Smith Rowe had to wear blacked-out boots during Arsenal's victory over Tottenham Hotspur after his deal with Nike expired.

Smith Rowe, 21, dazzled in the north London derby, picking up a goal and an assist as the Gunners beat their local rivals 3-1.

The Englishman opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a close-range drive from Bukayo Saka's cross before setting up Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang during an incisive counter-attack to double the lead.

It was one of Smith Rowe's finest performances since he emerged from the Hale End academy ranks -and it came as he wore unusual all-black boots.

As reported by The Athletic , Smith Rowe's deal with Nike expired in July and he is not allowed to wear boots made by any rival outfitters for six months after that date.

In the meantime, he is allowed to negotiate a contract with a new sponsor and there is no shortage of interest in brands trying to tie him down.

Adidas, Puma and Under Armour are vying to add Smith Rowe to their accounts as soon as the six-month 'matching rights' period is over.

Smith Rowe's stock has risen considerably over the last year, as he was one of Arsenal's standout performers in an otherwise dismal 2020/21 season which saw the club finish outside the European places.

His latest display of brilliance will only strengthen his position in negotiations with potential sponsors.

That being said, Smith Rowe may yet sign a new deal with Nike, who are permitted to match any offers made to their former client over the next six months.

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The England Under-21 international is likely distracted from his boot negotiations, however, as he continues to revel in his goal in the north London derby.

"I've always dreamt of this day to score for Arsenal against Tottenham. With my family here, it's the best feeling ever," Smith Rowe told Sky Sports after the full-time whistle blew at the Emirates.

He gave his interview alongside Gunners captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who added: "Arsenal can be proud of these boys and my kids will go to Hale End and they will end up like him [Emile].

"When you have boys like this, they listen and learn, the most important is that they feel free to play, that's why they are doing amazing."

Smith Rowe has featured in all six of Arsenal's Premier League games this season, making five starts, and he has a total of nine goals and eight assists in 52 senior appearances for the club.

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Emile Smith Rowe grabbed a goal and assist

The Gunners No.10 wore blacked-out boots