Emile Smith Rowe has admitted that he was really touched by the support he received from Arsenal fans at the Emirates last night.
Smith Rowe made just his third start of the season against Luton Town last night playing 85 minutes in the 2-0 win.
And when you consider that the England international started 21 games in the 21/22 season and remarkably didn’t start a single game last campaign, it’s a difficult fall from grace.
Yes, injuries have been a huge factor, but Mikel Arteta is now just often leaving the midfielder on the bench purely on a tactical basis.
However, he clearly still trusts the Hale End maverick to deliver when it’s needed most, even if there are still several players ahead of him.
But having played a key part in both of Arsenal’s goals, and having really impressed Rob Edwards, Smith Rowe surely can’t have done his starting chances any harm.
That being said, Smith Rowe did share his gratitude towards the Arsenal fans when speaking to TNT Sports after full-time.
Emile Smith Rowe explains special connection with Arsenal fans after Luton win
Having been replaced by Jorginho, the Arsenal academy graduate was really grateful for the standing ovation he received from the fans at the Emirates, a bond that seems pretty unbreakable.
Smith Rowe said: “Amazing. Like I said I have been here since I was nine years old, so to have that as I’m coming off in the second half, I didn’t think I played great and I was really tired, but it was really great to have the support of our fans.
“I feel it every time, even when I’m warming up and don’t come on, I always feel the support. So it was amazing for me.”
Of course, Smith Rowe’s comments on his own performance do seem a little harsh.
Martin Odegaard wasn’t the only player who starred last night
Having overcome some initial rust, Smith Rowe was Arsenal’s joint highest rated player alongside Martin Odegaard according to Sofascore.
In his 85 minutes the number 10 was able to make 55 touches, play two key passes and make two interceptions.
Smith Rowe wasn’t just creative, but he was also incredibly industrious, as his pressing proved when winning the ball for Kai Havertz to provide the opening assist.
It was a really rewarding night from an Arsenal perspective, and it’ll certainly be interesting to see if those ‘fringe players’ can make a claim to start against Brigton & Hove Albion on Saturday.
That being said, both Ian Wright and Roy Keane have just shared their score predictions for that tie.
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