Mikel Arteta was left stunned by Emile Smith Rowe after the youngster became the first Arsenal academy graduate since Cesc Fabregas to score 10+ goals in a single season.
Speaking to the club’s official Twitter account, the Gunners manager lauded the 21-year-old winger following his ninth Premier League goal of the campaign in a 2-1 win against Brentford, bringing Smith Rowe’s tally to ten in all competitions.
The England international is Arsenal’s top goalscorer this season and has elevated his game to a new level in his sophomore year in the first-team under Arteta, with Smith Rowe adding vital goals to the north London side’s front line.
With Gabriel Martinelli out through suspension, Smith Rowe took up the left-wing spot in a strong Arsenal front four, and the youngster was the one to break the deadlock as the playmaker’s well-worked goal just after the restart set the Gunners on their way to a win.
Despite Tottenham winning earlier in the day, the three points against Brentford will be huge for Arsenal’s top-four hopes. And for Arteta, the coach was buzzing for Smith Rowe after the attacker equalled Fabregas’ goal record.
Arteta said when told about Smith Rowe’s achievement and how he performed: “Wow. He is improving all the time. He had a period where he was carrying an injury and he wasn’t feeling particularly well. But he’s worked so hard to come back and today he’s shown that he’s ready when he plays at that level, he’s really good.”
Smith Rowe goals will fire Arsenal to top-four if he can remain fit
Smith Rowe becoming Arsenal’s main goal threat this season is something very few supporters would have predicted this season, yet the Hale End academy star is proving just that, and it could be huge if the Gunners are to finish in the top four.
Indeed, the attacker has been one of the club’s best players this season, and if Smith Rowe can remain injury-free for the remainder of the campaign, Arsenal’s chances of returning to the UEFA Champions League will increase dramatically.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
