Emile Smith-Rowe raves about Arsenal teammate after win over West Bromwich Albion

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Emile Smith-Rowe finally netted his first Premier League goal as Arsenal succumbed West Bromwich Albion to relegation from the Premier League on Sunday evening with a 3-1 win at The Emirates – and applauded Bukayo Saka on his club’s website.

Smith-Rowe, 20, continues to enjoy a breakthrough season at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta – clocking up 30 of his 42 senior outings for the Gunners during this campaign. He has had a hand in 10 goals during those 30 games, despite starting just 23.

Finally, on Sunday, his first goal in the league came – in what was only his third of the season. Brilliant play from Saka down the left saw the England international get to the byline and he pulled it back for Smith-Rowe to volley into the back of the net.

Saka was a terror for West Brom’s defence all afternoon, getting in behind time after time as Sam Allardyce’s beleaguered side were eventually relegated after a disappointing season. Smith-Rowe paid tribute to Saka after the match.

“I feel like he’s got so much experience now and he’s so versatile. He can play in so many different positions and stuff. I feel like we know each other inside out and we’re going to keep carrying on and keep playing games together,” Smith-Rowe said.

TBR’s view – The future of the club

Arsenal, on the whole, have had a largely disappointing season under Mikel Arteta. Struggling to finish in the top half of the table, they have missed out on European qualification for next season having lost to Villarreal in the Europa League semi-final.

But if Arsenal are to get back to the marauding side they once were, Arteta has got to stick to the long-term project and that means building a side around the likes of Saka, Smith-Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli and Arsenal’s other young guns.

Saka and Smith-Rowe are the future of this club.