Mikel Arteta thinks Arsenal have a really ‘beautiful’ player after his Forest display

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Arsenal secured an important victory over Nottingham Forest yesterday, in a game which saw Emile Smith Rowe return to the starting XI.

Fans have been desperate to see the 23-year-old given more chances, after Smith Rowe was recently linked with a loan exit due to a lack of minutes.

He had not started since October 2023, and injuries have derailed his progress since his stunning campaign in the 2021-22 season.

Smith Rowe lined up in midfield ahead of Kai Havertz, with critics recently highlighting how the signing of the German was unnecessary given that the England International is arguably the better player going forward.

Mikel Arteta praised Emile Smith Rowe after Forest display

Speaking after the game, Mikel Arteta heaped praise on the midfielder for his bright display against Forest.

“I’m really pleased with Emile as well because it’s been a long time since he had an opportunity to start a game. He’s been training really well, really sharp,” he stated.

“That he went for it, that he was free, he was flowing, he was moving, he was participating, his body language was good – he’s just a beautiful footballer to watch.

“I’m really pleased because he was really connected with the team and I thought he played the game in a really good way.”

Smith Rowe was encouraging in victory over Nottingham Forest

On what was his second start since May 2022, Smith Rowe put in a very encouraging performance.

He was positive on the ball, and drove into space, helping Arsenal dominate possession and sustain pressure high up the pitch before Gabriel Jesus eventually found the breakthrough in the second half.

Smith Rowe registered a pass accuracy of 93%, completing 42 of his 45 attempts, and also fired in a long-range shot in the first half.

He has certainly had better performances in the past, but it was a very encouraging start overall as he continues his road to full fitness, and he arguably did enough to keep his place in the side in the coming months.

It was a very positive sign that he was trusted from the start in a tough game at Forest, a ground where Arsenal had lost their last four visits.

Whilst it seems likely that Jorginho could be selected ahead of him in Sunday’s clash with Liverpool for extra defensive security, Smith Rowe may now be given further opportunities to shine, and it may only be a matter of time before he rediscovers his form in front of goal.