Emile Smith Rowe was left stunned after he was told that he has become the first Arsenal academy graduate since Cesc Fabregas to score ten or more goals in a season for Arsenal.
The Hale-End academy product told the club’s official website ‘it means a lot’ after he opened the scoring during Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Brentford on Saturday.
It was the 21-year-old’s tenth goal in all competitions and his ninth of this current Premier League campaign.
Compared to the start of last season, when Smith Rowe wasn’t even part of Arsenal’s matchday squad, he has made quite the rise.
When he was told about matching that Fabregas record, this is how the youngster reacted.
“Wow, that’s really special to hear that,” said Smith Rowe. “That means a lot, you know? It’s always been a dream to play for Arsenal so to hear that, it means a lot.
“I’m buzzing. The goals are really starting to come now but the most important thing was the three points today.
“It’s a bit surreal, to be honest. Me and Bukayo have both come from the academy, Eddie as well. To hear the fans screaming our names and scoring that today together, it’s just been great.”
It was a show for the Arsenal academy products yesterday because, not only did Smith Rowe score, but he was also joined by Bukayo Saka.
The academy duo are the shining lights of this Arsenal team and provide the fans with hope that they can get back to the top.
There is still a long way to go because Mikel Arteta’s side have a fight on their hands to secure Champions League football – they are one point behind fourth-placed Manchester United with two games in hand.
But the players that are showing signs that they will get them back to where the club feels they belong are their very own academy products.
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