Emile Smith Rowe won an official Player of the Match award in Arsenal's 2-0 win over Luton Town after contributing to both goals.
“It’s been a really tough season for me and some of the other players haven’t played as much as we’d have liked," said Smith Rowe who had made just his third start in the Premier League this season.
"It’s important that we came in tonight and put in a performance and show the manager that we can be a part of this team.
"He told us [they were starting] this morning, but I think it just shows the mentality of the team.
"All season, the boys are ready to step in and put in a performance and I think it just shows how tight we are as a team - it’s like a family.
"We’re really happy that players can come in and still perform. That’s what it’s about, the strength in depth is really good."
This campaign, Smith Rowe has already played twice as many minutes as last season when he was limited to 12 appearances off the bench.
The 23-year-old's performance against Luton could be the turning point for his Arsenal career, although he would have to work hard to win the competition for places.
