Huddersfield Town fans are raving about Emile Smith Rowe after the Arsenal loanee’s performance for them against Bristol City on Tuesday.
After making his last couple of appearances from the bench, Smith Rowe got a start for Huddersfield against seventh-place Bristol City on Tuesday. His team were 21st in the table and only a couple of points clear of the relegation zone going into the game.
They needed a win, and Smith Rowe helped them get one. The Arsenal loanee set up the first goal, assisting fellow academy graduate Chris Willock – currently on loan at Huddersfield from Benfica.
In the second half, Smith Rowe won a penalty with a positive run, which Karlan Grant converted. One of his shots should have led to a goal on the rebound, but Lewis O’Brien hit the side netting instead.
In all, Smith Rowe completed 85% of his passes, created four chances, had four shots, completed three of his four dribbles, won four free-kicks, made one clearance and one tackle.
The one disappointment for the 19-year-old will be that he didn’t add a goal. He went close with a weak-foot volley after finding space in the box, but it went just over after connecting more with his shin than his foot. All the same, he won Man of the Match.
The Huddersfield fans didn’t need any more convincing they have a gem in their ranks.
Social Media Reactions
Nice what a win and a bit of confidence can do for a fanbase. Saturday is huge but gonna enjoy Smith Rowe until end of season. He will play for England within 3 years. So much potential and key to the end of our season #htafc pic.twitter.com/5CWniLbgGh
— Dazza ☦ 🏏 (@SuperStankovic) February 25, 2020
Best midfielder in champ. Emile smith Rowe! Don’t @ me
— BigPappaJon (@bigjonhellings) February 25, 2020
He’s a joy to watch,what a class act, @Arsenal have a real gem there @emilesmithrowe
— Michael O (@MoonTerrier) February 25, 2020
Smith-Rowe > Mooy #htafc
— Jamie White (@jammy8891) February 25, 2020
What a player Emile Smith-Rowe could become. He’s replaced Aaron Mooy as the default man of the match unless someone does something amazing. #htafc
— Andrew McDermott (@a_mcdermott) February 25, 2020
Sports broadcaster Nigel Pearson:
Good night at the John Smith’s.
How are Huddersfield in trouble? Willock goal well deserved, Smith Rowe particularly impressive, O’Brien, Grant and Campbell effective and creative.
Bristol City 4 defeats in 5 but still well in touch of top 6 – crazy! pic.twitter.com/Dqyb4IpkS4
— Nigel Pearson (@nigelpearson) February 25, 2020
Yorkshire Live reporter Andrew Robinson:
Joy to watch Smith Rowe tonight. What a player. Should have won by 4 or more #htafc pic.twitter.com/AGQaMmSKGw
— Andrew Robinson (@Andrew_Examiner) February 25, 2020
You can watch the highlights from the match below: