Fulham midfielder Emile Smith Rowe faced off against Arsenal for the first time since leaving the North London club on Sunday afternoon.
Emile Smith Rowe left Arsenal in the recent summer transfer window, joining Fulham on a permanent basis. Reiss Nelson also made the switch to Craven Cottage, but as a loanee he was ineligible for this fixture. There are several former Arsenal stars on the books at Fulham.
Smith Rowe was always a popular figure at the Emirates Stadium, having come through the Gunners’ Hale End academy system. However, injures took their toll and he fell down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta.
Paul Merson expects big things from Emile Smith Rowe
Smith Rowe needed to leave Arsenal for a fresh start, and has received the new lease of life he required at Fulham.
There is no doubt about the 24-year-old’s talent. If he can stay fit and in form then he could go on to become a very special player for Fulham. Arsenal may even come to regret letting Smith Rowe go.
Paul Merson certainly expects big things from the 3-cap England international.
Speaking on Sky Sports (08/12/2024, 13:50), the pundit said: “I think so [he has a point to prove]. He burst onto the scene, we were all raving about him and he picked up a couple of injuries and you get behind the eight ball and it’s hard to get back in, when you’re at a big club like Arsenal, you fall behind and miss a couple of games and someone else gets in and does better than you, it’s hard to get back in.
“Great place to go and play your football, Fulham… This lad, Smith Rowe, I think he gets back in the England team soon, I like him.”
Arsenal fans pleased to see Smith Rowe again
Despite him now lining up against Arteta’s side, plenty of Arsenal fans on X are pleased to see him enjoying his football again.
One said: “Just cried in living room sing saka and Emile Smith Rowe.”
Another claimed: “We’re missing a player like emile smith-rowe today.”
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