Emile Smith Rowe sends painful message to Tottenham ahead of North London derby clash

Emile Smith Rowe believes Arsenal can use last season’s defeat at Tottenham as motivation for this weekend’s trip to their local rivals.

Last May, Arsenal were comfortably beaten 3-0 at Tottenham Hotspur, losing momentum in the race for a top-four finish and ultimately missing out on the Champions League. This season, however, Mikel Arteta’s side leads the league by five points and has lost just one of 17 games.

They travel to Tottenham on Sunday looking to keep their lead at the top of the table, with fit-again Smith Rowe admitting the loss eight months ago is still fresh in his mind.

‘We’re going to train really hard and use the energy we had going into the game last year,’ he said.

‘I feel like maybe (we’ll use the defeat in the lead-up to this game), but obviously most of us remember how it felt back then. A victory would be huge for us. It couldn’t have arrived at a better time. We’re in a great mood.

‘All the boys understand what it means to participate in these kinds of games. We’re all going to rest up and prepare for it now.’

Smith Rowe made his first appearance since September 4 as a substitute in Monday’s FA Cup win over Oxford. The 22-year-old underwent groin surgery to address an issue that he revealed has plagued him since a loan spell at RB Leipzig in 2019.

‘A lot of people don’t know this, but I’ve had this injury since I was 18, 19,’ he explained. ‘It’s been difficult to deal with over the years. But I am relieved that it is finally over.

‘I had a successful surgery and am feeling great. I’ve been dying to play with the boys. ‘I hope I can make a difference.’

The young England international will be hoping he plays a part in the match against Tottenham Hotspur during the weekend after coming on as a substitute against Oxford United.