Arsenal took the tough decision to part ways with Hale End graduates Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson in the summer transfer window.
Both players have delivered some memorable moments in the Arsenal first-team after working their way up through the academy, but the pair struggled for game time last season.
With Mikel Merino and Raheem Sterling joining in the summer, the Hale End pair fell down the pecking order even further, and it was clear they had to leave in search of more playing time.
Both moved across London to Fulham, with Smith Rowe joining on a permanent deal and Nelson moving in a last-minute loan deal on transfer deadline day.
After a year in which neither were afforded many opportunities, both are now thriving with more game time, and along with fellow former Arsenal star Alex Iwobi, they are shining in West London.
Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson score in Fulham victory over Newcastle
Both players had scored their first goals for the club in recent weeks, with Smith Rowe netting against Leicester, and Nelson striking against Preston in the Carabao Cup, but they got on the scoresheet again in an excellent victory over Newcastle United.
Smith Rowe doubled Fulham’s lead in the first half after excellent link-up play with Iwobi, with his shot trickling past Nick Pope.
In the dying minutes with the score at 2-1, Nelson sealed the victory off the bench as he pounced on a Bruno Guimaraes error to power home a strong finish.
Arsenal fans are delighted that the pair are flourishing, and have highlighted the excellence of the Hale End Academy.
“Smith Rowe & Nelson balling is a testament to how good we are that they couldn’t get minutes, and how good our coaching is now we’re seeing their levels. Win-win all round for everyone,” one fan posted on X.
“Mikel Arteta just decided to make Fulham a strong team with Arsenal’s brilliant boys. Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson, Leno and another of our fine products, Alex Iwobi. Fulham have avenged that Newcastle’s last season robbery,” another posted, highlighting Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle last season.
“Arsenal fans are absolutely delighted with their performances. They couldn’t do it at our club bcz of various reason. We have enough firepower,” another posted.
However, with Martin Odegaard now injured, some are claiming that letting Smith Rowe leave might have been the wrong decision.
“Glad to see Smith Rowe doing so well and of course hindsight is hindsight but I can’t help but feel we made a mistake letting him go especially with this Odegaard injury,” one fan pointed out.
“Smith Rowe with 3 G+A in 4 matches. He would have played big minutes for us with Odegaard out right now,” another posted.
Former Arsenal stars succeeding at Fulham
Smith Rowe and Iwobi’s link-up play for the Englishman’s goal was a sight to behold for Arsenal fans as the two former teammates reunited, and they could both thrive as the season goes on.
Given that Nelson is on loan, a strong spell at Fulham could either earn him a place in the Arsenal side, or earn the club pure profit next summer. Either way, fans are delighted to see him on the scoresheet.
Despite Odegaard and Merino’s injuries, letting Smith Rowe leave was the right decision for his career, as a fresh start and regular game time was needed after a few difficult years.
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