Emile Smith Rowe should have had an assist after an eye-catching second-half performance on his debut for Huddersfield Town on Saturday.
Making his loan debut for Huddersfield Town, Smith Rowe took a little while to grow into the game. He had a bit of a nervy first half where he didn’t fully impose himself, before really taking the game to Brentford after the break.
We should mention that Brentford are a team in great form. They started the day in third place, whilst Huddersfield are flirting with relegation. This wasn’t an easy game to make a debut.
All the same, Smith Rowe showed glimpses of his talent in his first game for his loan club. He should have had an assist after a dangerous ball in behind the defence found Karlan Grant for a huge chance, but Grant skied his effort.
That missed opportunity made most of the headlines, which tells you what a good chance it was.
Smith Rowe then had a couple of shots of his own. He slipped as he took a shot from outside the box, but still tested the goalkeeper. Then he found space for another effort after a corner, but the defence got a block in to deflect it away.
Watch the highlights below. Smith Rowe’s cross is at 1:05, his first shot is at 1:18 and the second is at 1:30.
After the game, Smith Rowe swapped shirts with Dominic Thompson, a former Arsenal academy youngster on the bench for Brentford on the day. It was a positive start, and one the fans appreciated.
Huddersfield Fan Reaction
Smith-Rowe oooks a player, just seems to see things before they happen, that’s what a premier league loan looks like.
— Jamie (@Jamie__1739) January 18, 2020
Smith-Rowe let off the leash a bit in the second half. Looks a proper player
— Dave Hey (@DaveHey2) January 18, 2020
I’m happy with that Smith Rowe and Stearman looked good
— Ben. (@BenHTFC43) January 18, 2020
really good point against one of the best sides in the league. toffolo and stearman look like they’ve been playing in the team foreve. smith rowe looks quality as well. utft #htafc
— joel (@joelgrainger11) January 18, 2020
Fantastic point that, I thought we’d struggle to get anything without Hogg today. Stearman superb, Toffolo solid and glimpses of what Smith Rowe can produce. We were a bit Burton Albionish but a good point to stop the rot. #htafc
— The Kralle (@TheKralle) January 18, 2020
Thought that Arsenal lad played well second half. Carved out Town’s best chance.
— Graeme Walton (@GraemeWalton7) January 18, 2020