Ian Wright has stated that he is ‘delighted’ for Emile Smith Rowe after he scored for Arsenal in the North London derby on Sunday, as he told Premier League Productions.
The Highbury legend stated that it has been ‘hard’ for Smith Rowe and his family in trying to get him to Arsenal.
This time last season, Smith Rowe wasn’t even part of Arteta’s plans, with the club looking for that creative spark after discarding Mesut Ozil, even though he was still on their books.
But like many Arsenal youngsters, during difficult periods for the club, they are the ones making their way through the Hale-End academy production line and standing up.
And that was proven over the weekend when, both Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka, scored for their boyhood clubs against their bitter rivals.
But Wright had nothing but kind words to say about Smith Rowe and his journey in trying to don the colours of the team he supported as a little kid.
“Delighted for him,” said Wright. “I know how hard it has been for him and his family in getting him to Arsenal.
“He is now there. He is a first-team player and he has always talked about wanting to score more goals.”
There is still a long way to go for Smith Rowe and his teammates because it wasn’t so long ago that they were sitting bottom of the Premier League table.
Whilst Spurs allowed Arsenal’s ball-carriers all the time in the world at the Emirates, that won’t be the case against in-form Brighton this weekend.
Graham Potter’s side, who are sitting in the top-six, will host Arsenal at the Amex Stadium.
Yves Bissouma missed his side’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on Monday night and he will be hoping to return this week to try and nullify the attacking threat from Arteta’s technical talents.
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