Arsenal fans all think Mikel Arteta made a huge mistake after what Emile Smith Rowe just did for Fulham

Add as preferred source on Google

Emile Smith Rowe was an incredibly popular player at Arsenal, but they made the difficult decision to part ways with him in the summer.

Smith Rowe started just three Premier League games in the last two seasons, after injuries derailed his progress and he fell down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium.

With his contract running down, it made financial sense to sell Smith Rowe, with it deemed unlikely that he would play regularly this season. The midfielder needed a fresh start, and headed to Fulham for a healthy fee.

He is now thriving in West London, whilst Arsenal have found themselves short of creative midfield options after an injury to Martin Odegaard.

Mikel Arteta’s side are struggling for creativity, and fans are now criticising him for selling Smith Rowe.

• READ MORE: Arsenal’s 25 most expensive transfers and record signings of all time

Arsenal fans criticise decision to sell Emile Smith Rowe after Fulham masterclass

Smith Rowe put in an outstanding performance as Fulham beat Crystal Palace 2-0 at Selhurst Park.

The Englishman opened the scoring on the stroke of half time with a superb finish on his left foot, and thought he had doubled the lead after slotting in from an Alex Iwobi cross.

Whilst his second strike was ruled offside, fans were in awe of his performance, and lamented the fact that he is now longer an Arsenal player.

“Emile Smith Rowe is exactly what Arsenal is missing right now. See the intelligent in Press and how he left that Ball for R. Jimenez. That kind of football intelligence is lacking in Arsenal Attack. Arteta goofed by not adequately replacing ESR,” one fan posted on X.

“Funny how Smith Rowe’s profile was exactly what we’ve been lacking in games recently but Arteta sold him,” another added.

“Selling Smith Rowe with no replacement is the worst decision Arteta has made at arsenal I hope he’s watching,” another fumed.

“When Smith Rowe gets a chance he takes it. Special player in front of goal,” another pointed out.

Should Arsenal have kept Emile Smith Rowe?

At the end of last season, Smith Rowe had hardly featured, and did not do much to convince Arteta that he had a future at Arsenal.

Leandro Trossard ended last season with 17 goals, but has been well below par in recent weeks. Right now, Smith Rowe would certainly be a better option in the middle.

Arsenal fans are unhappy with the decision now, but it is easy to say with the benefit of hindsight.

There would have been a lot of surprise if Trossard was sold in the summer in favour of Smith Rowe, and there was no guarantee the Englishman would find his best form again without a fresh start.