‘Oozes class’, ‘never stopped working’: Some fans in awe of Arsenal loanee’s display last night, despite defeat

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Arsenal academy graduate Matt Smith continues to impress on his loan stint away from the Emirates Stadium.

The 20-year-old Gunners midfielder has played every minute of Swindon’s League One campaign thus far, and was involved in last night’s 4-2 defeat at Plymouth.

It was a tough evening for the Robins, who found themselves a man down at the end of the first half after Jonny Smith was sent off for two yellow cards.

Up until then it was a fairly even game with goals aplenty, Plymouth racing into a two-goal lead in the opening seven minutes, Swindon drawing level by the 23rd, and the hosts netting again on 25.

Smith was one of his side’s brightest players on the night, boasting an 85.5 percent pass success rate and making three key passes, five tackles, two interceptions and a clearance (Whoscored).

Sadly for Swindon, they were unable to draw level again, and the game was then as good as over when Conor Grant made it 4-2 for the hosts one minute from time.

Despite a “torrid” day at the office for the Robins, fans had kind words for the Arsenal loanee on social media:

Smith came through the ranks at Hale End after joining Arsenal’s Under-9s, and signed his first professional Gunners contract in February 2019.

He captained Arsenal’s Under-18s to the Premier League South title in 2018-19, playing every minute for his side, and was a regular in the Under-23s last season.

Smith also trained frequently with the Arsenal first-team and has made the matchday squad on six occasions, including in the FA Cup final, where he got his hands on a winners’ medal.