Emile Smith Rowe had several reasons to be cheerful following Arsenal's 2-1 win over Brentford on Saturday afternoon.
Firstly, the 21-year-old was named in the Gunners starting lineup with Gabriel Martinelli missing out through suspension as he lined up alongside Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka behind lone striker Alexandre Lacazette.
And by opening the scoring early in the second half, Smith Rowe sent Arsenal on their way to an important victory as the top-four race in the Premier League heats up.
Furthermore, that strike brought about goal number 10 across all competitions for the attacking midfielder this season which means he's the first academy graduate since Cesc Fabregas in the 2009/2010 campaign to achieve this feat.
As a result, Smith Rowe has completed an objective he set for himself at the start of the season.
"I'm hoping to get over 10 goals and assists this season," he revealed.
Whilst the England international reached 10 goal contributions during the Boxing Day win over Norwich City, he's still short of matching the demands set by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
"An incredible season for a No 10 of Arsenal means he needs to score 15 goals and give 10 assists," the Spaniard said last season. Then you are right up there with the top guys in Europe and in the league.
"He's got the ability to do it but he hasn't done it."
Whether Smith Rowe can achieve an 'incredible' season remains to be seen, but he does have 15 games remaining in order to achieve at least one of Arteta's targets.
In truth, the 15 goals target is arguably more attainable for the attacking midfielder as he's not improved on his two assists since the 3-1 win over Aston Villa all the way back in October.
Although, considering he is only one goal contribution away from doubling his total from the whole of last season shows that the Arsenal no.10 is on the right path to matching Arteta's demands in the future if he doesn't get the required five goals and eight assists before May.
Speaking to Arsenal.com after being made aware that he matched Fabregas' 12-year record with his goal against Brentford, Smith Rowe admitted he was 'buzzing'.
"Wow, that’s really special to hear that," he said. "That means a lot, you know? It’s always been a dream to play for Arsenal so to hear that, it means a lot.
"I’m buzzing. The goals are really starting to come now but the most important thing was the three points today.
"It’s a bit surreal, to be honest. Me and Bukayo have both come from the academy, Eddie as well. To hear the fans screaming our names and scoring that today together, it’s just been great."
