Player Mikel Arteta sold has now done something at his new club he could not at Arsenal last season

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal parted ways with several first-team players in the summer transfer window, with most moving to other Premier League clubs.

Eddie Nketiah joined Crystal Palace after falling down the pecking order upfront, and Aaron Ramsdale has had a tough start at Southampton.

Reiss Nelson followed Emile Smith Rowe across London to Fulham, with the pair aiming to play regularly under Marco Silva.

Smith Rowe’s departure was a difficult decision for Mikel Arteta, as he was a hugely popular figure at the club, having graduated from the Hale End Academy alongside Bukayo Saka.

The Englishman has thrived at his new club, and it is now becoming clear that his exit was the right move for him.

• READ MORE: Arsenal 24/25 confirmed signings, transfers in and out, loan exits and releases

Emile Smith Rowe provides assist for Fulham against West Ham

After scoring against Leicester City, Smith Rowe has added to his goals and assists tally, as he created Raul Jimenez’s goal to put Fulham 1-0 up against West Ham.

A long ball was sent in Smith Rowe’s direction, who drifted over to the left, stopped the ball from leaving the pitch, before dribbling into the box and crossing for the Mexican to finish.

This was Smith Rowe’s second goal or assist contribution in four Premier League games for Fulham, and remarkably, this has now exceeded his total from last season.

Smith Rowe provided just one assist and failed to scored for Arsenal in 19 appearances last season, but he has doubled his output already, and there is plenty more to come.

Emile Smith Rowe vindicated in decision to leave Arsenal

Smith Rowe may have wanted to stay at his boyhood club, but the reality is that he needed to leave to play regularly to get his career back on track.

With Martin Odegaard potentially injured now, fans may be frustrated that Smith Rowe was allowed to depart and weaken Arsenal’s depth.

However, another season on the fringes would have been damaging for the 24-year-old’s career. He is now thriving at another Premier League side, and will hope that his strong form so far can lead to a potential recall to the England squad.