Arsenal: Arteta impressed by Smith Rowe's development
Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe has hailed Bukayo Saka for his experience and versatility after the Gunners’ 3-1 win over West Brom on Sunday. The Gunners went into the game looking to bounce back after their Europa League exit at the hands of Villarreal. And they did just that, consigning the visitors to relegation in the process.
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"I've been waiting to score for this wonderful club so it was a dream come true for me.
"B (Bukayo Saka) got the ball down the wing and when he crossed it I just tried to stay as calm as I could and it was a good finish, I'm happy with it.
"I feel like [Bukayo's] got so much experience now and he's so versatile. He can play in so many different positions and stuff.
“I feel like we know each other inside out and we're going to keep carrying on and keep playing games together."
Smith Rowe was taken off around the hour mark, with Kieran Tierney coming on in his place.
And Arteta revealed after the game the youngster had suffered a knock, saying: “I don’t know, he felt something in his hamstring so we took him off.
“I don’t know. Sometimes he cramps and that’s something that’s been happening for a while because he’s still adapting to the league, to the amount of games every three days.
“Hopefully it’s nothing major.”
Arteta was, however, unhappy with Arsenal’s overall performance - accusing them of being ‘nervy’ during the match at the Emirates Stadium.
"We needed that win," the Spaniard told BT Sport. "It has been a while since we won at home.
"We scored three fantastic goals and we had some great spells in the game.
"When we conceded the goal we did look nervy. We knew the necessity to win the game. They scored out of nothing and then throw everything at you.
Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe enjoyed his goal against West Brom (Image: GETTY)
"They know the situation they are in and we struggled to play that kind of game. We scored three fantastic goals but we missed some big chances too.
"There were things we could have done much better.
"We will try to win every match and see where we finish. The only thing we can do is win our games."
West Brom boss Sam Allardyce was relegated for the first time in his managerial career.
And the former Bolton, Newcastle, West Brom, Sunderland and England manager has insisted he won’t discuss his future in the aftermath of the disappointing result.
“I am not going to answer a question on whether I am staying or going – it will just be a waste of time because I won’t be saying whether I am going or staying,” he said.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta felt his side were 'nervy' in West Brom win (Image: GETTY)
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“It’s too early to consider or talk about. It’s about the disappointment. Tonight it’s about having a day or two off and getting ready for Liverpool.
“The most important thing for me and the players is to give everything we have got to try and finish the season with pride in your own performance and your own professionalism.
“The big challenge for us is can we lift ourselves like we have done throughout the season.”
Asked how being relegated felt, he added: “Words cannot describe it.
"It's not sunk in yet, but I'm sure I'll wake up tomorrow and realise the situation. I'm bitterly disappointed we're not still in the fight.
"I'm not saying we would have avoided relegation but we should have been closer, we should have taken it down to the last three games, based on how we performed. The creating of chances has been there but the converting has not."