Arsenal’s forgotten FA Cup winner sends parting message to Emirates

Arsenal last won a piece of silverware three years ago in the form of the 2020 FA Cup and on the day of the final Mikel Arteta named a surprise inclusion in the match-day squad

Arsenal’s 2020 FA Cup triumph will live long in the memory of every Gunner who witnessed it. They’d have done so from the television, given Wembley Stadium was closed to spectators.

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Mikel Arteta’s first trophy as a manager was won via 2-1 victory over London rivals Chelsea in August 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic was still in circulation far and wide. What is often forgotten about that game under the iconic Wembley arch, is the academy prospect rather randonly named on the bench for such a huge clash.

Not Bukayo Saka, who by that time had already featured a number of times in the Premier League, but Matt Smith. The then-teenager even picked up a winner’s medal despite having never played a senior competitive fixture for the Gunners.

Three years on, he leaves still without a first-team outing to his name. Smith confirmed his departure via a heartfelt Instagram message that read: “Thank you Gunners. After 16 years at my boyhood club, it’s time for me to look to the next chapter of my career.

“Along this journey, it would be impossible to name everyone that has added to my time at the club. However, to all the players, staff, and supporters, I can only say thank you and that I am forever grateful.

“To the fans – keep supporting this great club, success is around the corner. Once a Gooner, always a Gooner.”