Arsenal fans are delighted to see Emile Smith Rowe in the starting XI ahead of the Premier League encounter with Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night.
The Gunners are looking to build a run of form after their wait for a win came to an end in style last week with a 5-0 thumping Crystal Palace. Mikel Arteta’s side had gone four games without a win, including defeats to Fulham and West Ham in the league, before battering the Eagles.
The wobble has seen Arsenal fall behind Liverpool in the title race in third place. The Merseyside outfit lead the way on 48 points while Manchester City, Arsenal and Aston Villa all sit on 43.
A strong performance and three points at the City Ground could see Arsenal pull ahead of the pack, for a short while at least, and their supporters are optimistic after seeing Arteta’s starting XI.
Emile Smith Rowe returns to the starting XI
Smith Rowe has returned to the team for just the second time this season against Forest. The versatile forward has endured a difficult few years with injury but will be looking to seize the chance handed to him by his manager.
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The 23-year-old starts in midfield alongside Declan Rice and captain Martin Odegaard with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus leading the line. The defence is comprised of Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel and Aleks Zinchenko.
🟡 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 🔵🧱 Saliba at the back⚖️ Smith Rowe in the middle⚡️ Martinelli on the wingLet's end January on a high, Gooners ✊ pic.twitter.com/eEhAxWAbnU
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 30, 2024
Yet, it’s the return of Smith Rowe for his first start since October that has supporters excited.
“Nice to see Emile Smith Rowe back,” one fan wrote on X, while another added: “Smith Rowe is back!!!”
The sentiment was echoed by another supporter who wrote: “I always love to see Smith starting,” and another who said: “Saka and Smith Rowe. Tears of joy.”