The statistics do not tell the full tale of course, and the bad leg break that threatened his career, kept him out for nine months.
Smith: "The best performances I've had (for Newcastle) this season have come in the three games that I've played up front.
"That's no coincidence. It is the position that suits me the most. Newcastle's supporters haven't seen the best of me yet because I've played in several different positions.
"It's something I'm willing to do because the team is the most important thing. But sometimes it doesn't benefit you as a player.
"People expect great things from you coming in as a big signing from another club.
"I've given performances that are good for the team, but to be honest, they're unspectacular. You can't do a lot as a defensive midfielder.
"You can't get forward and attack but it's more eye-catching playing up front. You're always involved, but I'm not on a crusade to be a hero. I've come here to be part of a team and it's always better to be part of a winning team."
Sam Allardyce: "Alan's keen to get games up front.
"His performances in attack have led me to put Mark on the bench and that's a huge disappointment for him. But Alan's performances have helped us to turn a difficult period around and I feel that his last two performances have been his best in a Newcastle shirt.
"Alan has got the desire to upset opposition defences and then use his abilities.
"Our other strikers want to use their abilities first before using their physical capabilities. He tests a defender's resolve first, and then he uses his abilities to start attacks from there.
"He did it (this week) against Arsenal and it proved important. He upset them and that gave us the momentum we needed to build the constant pressure that led to the goal that we deserved.
"I'd like to see an end product, but he's doing a job for the team and that's what players have to do. He'll do a job anywhere for the team. I'd like all the players to be like that."