Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta praised Emile Smith Rowe’s display in the Gunners’ comfortable 2-0 victory over Luton Town in the Premier League on Wednesday evening.
The young player, who came through the ranks at Hale End, benefited from some anticipated squad rotation by the North London club, with five changes made from the team that played out a goalless draw against Manchester City last Sunday.
Despite having started in the Premier League only twice before in the 2023-24 season, Smith Rowe proved his worth in the match by playing a key role in both of Arsenal’s first-half goals.
In the first instance, the 23-year-old won the ball from Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu in Luton’s half and set up Kai Havertz, who then assisted Martin Odegaard for the opening goal with a precise finish into the bottom corner.
Later in the first half, Smith Rowe contributed to his second goal of the season by reaching the byline and attempting to find Reiss Nelson, but Daiki Hashioka ended up deflecting the ball into his own net.