Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised Emile Smith Rowe after his Player of the Match performance versus Luton on Wednesday night.
The 23-year-old was involved in both goals as the Gunners secured a comfortable 2-0 win and, speaking after the match, Arteta said:
“I love him as a player. It’s a joy to watch him how he moves, how he changes how physical he was as well today. He’s a joy to watch. Today he helped us a lot to win the game.”
Smith Rowe has been on the periphery this season but fans on X were quick to praise his contributions following his display:
What a great performance last night
Tho injury have affected his playing time— charles (@charlesfrik) April 4, 2024
Baller 🔥
— Arsene Wenger’s Coat (@ArseneCoat_FC) April 4, 2024
Great👏👏
— SAVE AVERAGE NIGERIAN 🇳🇬 YOUTH’S (@OsigweEbuka2) April 4, 2024
Smith Rowe was Colossal yesterday.
Hope he gets full confidence. Also Partey was impressive.— SakaNelli🥶 (@munenejere10) April 4, 2024
Give him more games next season
— agaba festus (@FestusAgaba) April 4, 2024
This guy was a glue for yesterday match
— Crageslim (@Crageslim) April 4, 2024
He did well
— Clinton Nelson (@NelsonClin22787) April 4, 2024
The strength of Arsenal’s squad was on full display against Luton
Arteta made 5 changes from the 0-0 draw against Manchester City last weekend, but the home side still managed to secure a straightforward victory.
Having players like Smith Rowe who can come in and do a job demonstrates the depth that Arteta now has available to him.
Will Smith Rowe stay at the club beyond the summer?
The England international has struggled for minutes over the course of the campaign, and there has been speculation linking him with moves to the likes of West Ham and Newcastle in recent months.
However, Smith Rowe is Arsenal through and through, and his performance on Wednesday does suggest he is determined to win his place back in the starting lineup.
