Oleksandr Zinchenko was seen consoling Arsenal teammate Emile Smith Rowe after the win against Bournemouth.
There were plenty of positives for Arsenal after their 4-0 thrashing of Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday afternoon. However, Emile Smith Rowe appeared to be extremely disappointed with his own contribution.
Mikel Arteta introduced Smith Rowe to the action from the bench in the 81st minute. The Gunners were 3-0 up at that point and cruising towards securing all three points. The north London club’s dominance in the match also suggested that the No. 10 would get an opportunity to strut his stuff in the final third.
The 23-year-old showed flashes of quality after his introduction, and ought to have gotten on the scoresheet when he found himself with only the Bournemouth goalkeeper to beat from close range. However, the Cherries’ shot-stopper, Neto, was able to turn the £40,000-a-week midfielder’s effort around the post.
After the final whistle, Smith Rowe looked devastated to have failed to find the back of the net. Oleksandr Zinchenko was seen trying to console the three-cap England international on the pitch.
Smith Rowe needs to keep believing
It is understandable why Smith Rowe may be feeling pressure to impress. The Hale End academy graduate has struggled with injuries in recent seasons and has fallen down the pecking order in the squad. With his opportunities now limited, he needs to impress whenever he gets on the pitch.
However, Smith Rowe will get more chances in the coming weeks and looks to be edging his way back into form. This moment at the Vitality Stadium will not define his season.
Zinchenko also deserves credit for taking the time to support his teammate. Such an action highlights the sense of unity and togetherness that Arteta has fostered amongst the Arsenal first team squad.
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