Mikel Arteta was all praise for Emile Smith Rowe as Arsenal claimed a 2-1 victory over Nottinghamshire Forest to return to winnings ways in the Premier League. The Arsenal midfielder started for the first time in four months, which was just his second start in the season. He played for 70 minutes before coming off, as the Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was all praise for the midfielder.

He believes that Smith Rowe has genuinely put his head down, and earned his spot in the lineup. He was happy with his performance against Nottingham Forest, as Smith Rowe linked up quite well with his teammates.

“I’m really pleased with Emile as well because it’s been a long time since he had an opportunity to start a game," Arteta said via Arsenal.com. "He’s been training really well, really sharp."

“That he went for it, that he was free, he was flowing, he was moving, he was participating, his body language was good - he’s just a beautiful footballer to watch,” Arteta said. “I’m really pleased because he was really connected with the team and I thought he played the game in a really good way.”