Arteta impressed by Smith-Rowe’s response to Odegaard signing

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 19 May 2021 13:09 BST
• 1 min read

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised Emile Smith Rowe’s performance against Manchester United as the youngster showed he was not affected by the January arrival of Martin Odegaard.

Smith Rowe has been one of Arsenal’s breakout players over the last month during a period in which the Gunners have embarked on a much-improved run of form.

However, there have been fears that Smith Rowe’s chances of regular first-team football may now be curtailed after Arteta signed Odegaard on loan from Real Madrid.

Arteta has denied that this will be the case and was pleased with Smith Rowe’s display as he started again in the 0-0 draw with Man Utd on Saturday.

“Yes. I think he played a really good game,” Arteta said.

“In the first half when he got involved I think he made a real difference. I think he increases the pace and the rhythm of the team when he’s around the ball.

“And defensively I think he’s working so hard as well so overall again I think he had a really strong performance.”

Smith Rowe played 83 minutes before he was replaced by Odegaard himself.