Are there any Gooners who doubt Emile Smith-Rowe’s abilities? I don’t think there is one. The Hale End graduate is a tremendous talent, and he showed signs of it at the Emirates Stadium. His main challenges at Arsenal were injuries and his inability to find consistency.
With no guaranteed playing time this season, the 24-year-old had to leave to salvage his career. He moved to Fulham from Arsenal in the summer for a £27 million fee, plus an additional £7 million in add-ons. At Craven Cottage, he’s had a fine start to life, scoring twice and assisting once in his first five games for the Marco Silva-led side.
Smith Rowe is showing signs of the brilliance that made him a valuable player for Arsenal, and his ability to create chances and score goals will be critical to Fulham’s success this season. He’s helped Fulham to two wins and two draws from their opening five Premier League fixtures.
The former Arsenal player has already proven to be a significant asset for Fulham; as he pulls the strings for their attack, his performances suggest that he may become a crucial player for them going forward.
As Gooners, we should be pleased for him. Smith Rowe just had to live up to expectations, and hopefully he does, even if it is not with Arsenal.
Maybe we’ll bring him back one day?
Daniel O
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The decision to sell him was an error of judgement in my opinion as I consider him a better all round footballer than Martinelli .Despite being fit for most of last season Arteta obviously did not trust him sufficiently to give him a run of games despite mediocre performances from Martinelli and the likes of Zinchenko, Jesus and Trossard.If he continues to perform for Fulham, I would not be surprised if he is included in the full England squad in the not too distant future.
I think the best attribute of this Arsenal side, the superpower, if you will, is what we do when we don’t have the ball. The pressing, the interceptions, the duel winning, the tackles, the winning of second balls and the tracking back.It seems to me like ‘out of possession work’ is a non negotiable for Arteta.
Which is why I don’t think Arteta trusted the likes of ESR and Vieira. For all the on ball quality,they are lacking in off the ball quality. Martinelli despite his struggles offensively,has been immense defensively, just like Saka. The work he does off the ball is crucial to the team particularly because the LB sometimes inverts and Martinelli (or Trossard) covers them.
Martinelli also has a weapon that we are seriously lacking in- pace in forward areas. Even when he doesn’t score,his pace is a constant threat to fullbacks. This is something Smith can’t offer. Might be the reason why Arteta has looked to add pacy forwards like Mudryk.
You look at all recent Arteta signings and one thing they have in common is their ability to win their duels and work hard for the team. Smith just doesn’t fit these ethos, I’m afraid. His sale paved way for the signing of Merino who imo exemplifies what Arteta wants from his midfielders.
That said,I’m happy for him. He’s at a club where he’ll play regularly. Arsenal get pure profit which is essential in this atmosphere of PSR. Arsenal get a midfielder more suited for their style and Fulham get a good player. It’s a win for all involved, but mostly for the player.
Hopefully, the Arsenal mob at Fulham can do Arsenal some favors this season by downing some of our rivals
He only needs to work harder on his defensive abilities to be more complete. I believe it’s why Arteta didn’t trust him much
I agree Atangana. The ability to defend is a non negotiable for Arteta. All his recent signings i.e. Rice,Timber,Havertz,Calafiori and Merino are known for their ability to win duels. ESR just isn’t reliable at that aspect of the game.
Yeah, he’s a poor defender as was shown when giving the ball away in his own box against Newcastle on Saturday.
It seems that, since ESR moved to Arsenal West, he has come alive.
(Leno, Iwobi, ESR and Rees Nelson)
I am so glad for the lad. He really needed his freedom a couple of years ago, but now he has it, and I wish him all the luck in the world (along with the other supposed Arsenal rejects)
Like you and others, I wish ESR well. He’s off to a good start there.
I think it’s down mainly to horses for courses, isn’t it? It’s not unknown for players (even other than Arsenal’s) that leave a club after some time to experience a subsequent improvement in form at their new club. It’s changed circumstances, their “freedom” as you say, probably lots of factors.
There are some players that have mercenaries stamped on their foreheads but not in ESR’s case. I hope his career is fulfilling and successful.
It’s no good wishing he was still at Arsenal if Arteta wasn’t prepared to play him. No what ifs