Mikel Arteta "really impressed" with returning Arsenal player in Luton Town win
The Hale End graduate was the beneficiary of some expected rotation from the North London giants, who made a total of five changes from the side that drew 0-0 with Manchester City on Sunday.
Smith Rowe had only made the starting XI on two previous occasions in the 2023-24 Premier League season, but he justified his inclusion on Wednesday by being involved in both of the Gunners' first-half goals.
The 23-year-old firstly stole possession from Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu in the Luton half before setting away Kai Havertz, who in turn delivered for Martin Odegaard to draw first blood with a slick strike into the bottom corner.
Towards the end of the opening period, Smith Rowe registered just his second direct goal contribution of the season, getting to the byline and attempting to pick out Reiss Nelson, but Daiki Hashioka instead diverted the ball into his own net.
Arteta «so happy» with returning Gunners despite lack of «rhythm»The England international collected the Man of the Match award for his efforts in North London as Arsenal returned to the top of the table, and speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Arteta waxed lyrical about Smith Rowe's performance on the field and his application in training.
«I was really impressed with him. He has been training really well and we felt the game could suit us,» the Spaniard said. «Really pleased for the boys who came in. It is a busy month, we have started well again after an international break and next is Brighton.»
As well as Smith Rowe, Thomas Partey, Leandro Trossard, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Nelson — deputising for the
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