Emile leaves boss Cowley with a big smile on return
EMILE Smith Rowe was back in the No.10 role for Town at Birmingham City – and what an impact he made!
The 19-year-old playmaker toyed with the St Andrew’s defence at times and was instrumental in helping Danny Cowley’s team create the platform for success.
Back in the side after being on the bench at Nottingham Forest and having played on the left wing against Wigan, Smith Rowe was switched on from minute one and linked impressively with all departments.
He set up Harry Toffolo for the pass which led to the award of Town’s first penalty, took the corner from which a foul on Christopher Schindler earned the second spot kick and generally proved an effective pivot for the attack.
Not only that, but his defensive duties were attended to with energetic diligence and his tasks had been successfully completed when Cowley – who says the player would find space in a telephone box – took him off with 20 minutes to go.
With Arsenal keeping tabs, it was the ideal time for Smith Rowe to produce something like his best – and a timely reminder he’s determined to win a battle against relegation before returning to the Emirates.
When asked about Town’s attacking play, Cowley was quick to pinpoint the contribution of Smith Rowe, who will be 20 later this month.
“We were really pleased (with our attacking play) in the first 25 minutes and also once we went 2-0 up,” said Cowley, whose side have moved out of the relegation zone on the back of goals from Karlan Grant