Arsenal fans make their mind up on Smith Rowe after first away start since 2022

30 January 2024 , 20:26

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Emile Smith Rowe struggled during the first half for Arsenal

Some Arsenal fans have not been convinced by Emile Smith Rowe's first-half performance against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night.

The Gunners academy graduate was making his first Premier League start away from home since May 2022 and was a surprise inclusion in Mikel Arteta's starting line-up. Many were expecting to see £65million summer-signing Kai Havertz, given the Germany international has kept Smith Rowe out of the side for the majority of the season so far.

It was Smith Rowe who helped force Arsenal's nearest moment when his pass across the face of goal was nearly converted into the back of the net by a Forest defender. He was also guilty of a wasteful effort from just outside of the penalty area that flew high over Matt Turner's crossbar.

Besides that, the first-half passed the England international without many more meaningful contributions. In turn, several disgruntled fans took to social media to express their disappointment at the way Smith Rowe has performed given it is his first opportunity for some time.

One supporter wrote: "I've seen enough of Smith Rowe. Havertz half time." Another added: "Smith Rowe is not good enough in the Premier League."

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One Gunners fan cast doubt over the way Arsenal's left-hand side was operating, made up of Smith Rowe, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Martinelli. They wrote: "That Zinny, Smith Rowe and Martinelli left looks so disjointed."

Another fan expressed a similar viewpoint, but instead opted to look more centrally and claimed that the entire Arsenal midfield wasn't working, explaining: "An [Martin] Odegaard, Smith Rowe, [Declan] Rice midfield has zero balance."

Emile Smith Rowe (right) has had a quiet first-half for Arsenal

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It wasn't all bad for Smith Rowe, with some fans impressed with what they witnessed during the first 45 minutes. One claimed: "Smith Rowe how I've missed you."

Another equally passionate admirer wrote: "Smith Rowe has been class so far - go on lad." The former Huddersfield loanee lasted just shy of 70 minutes, before he was eventually withdrawn in place of Havertz.

Soon after Smith Rowe's substitution, Bukayo Saka added a second goal for Arsenal after Gabriel Jesus had put the Gunners in front seven minutes prior.

Josh O'Brien