‘Joy to watch him’… Mikel Arteta says 23-year-old Arsenal player was amazing vs Nottingham Forest

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was delighted with Emile Smith Rowe’s performance against Nottingham Forest last night.

The Gunners picked up a deserved 2-1 win over Nuno Espirito Santo’s side. Goals from Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka sealed the game, and it was great to see Smith Rowe back on the pitch as well.

Mikel Arteta praises Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe

Emile Smith Rowe has had a torrid time at Arsenal over the last 18 months due to injury.

The Englishman is one of the finest talents in the country, and it was a real shame to see him spend such a long time on the sidelines.

Smith Rowe finally got a start last night – just his second in the Premier League this season. He played in Kai Havertz‘s position on the left side of central midfield and was really good.

Mikel Arteta was asked about Smith Rowe after the game, and the Arsenal boss was delighted. He heaped praise on the 23-year-old and even called him a ‘tremendous player’.

He said, as per Football London: “I thought he was really good. I think he looked exactly the same as he looks in training and every time we’ve put him in.

“He fully deserves his chance. He’s really put his head down, his attitude has been really good. He’s a tremendous player and you see the way he moves. It’s just a joy to watch him.”

Smith Rowe should start against Liverpool

Despite all the criticism, Kai Havertz has done reasonably well for Arsenal over the last few months.

The German’s height and physicality offer a different dimension to the Gunners in attack, but it has to be said that Arsenal are a lot more fluid when Emile Smith Rowe plays.

The 23-year-old is a lot more mobile than Havertz. He can run with the ball, pick out key passes and has the ability make something out of nothing.

Arsenal will need that when Liverpool come to town this weekend, and we really think Smith Rowe deserves to keep his place in the side.