Mikel Arteta with Emile Smith Rowe - Arsenal
Image credit: Getty Images
Mikel Arteta has opened up about the advice he gave to former Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe following the midfielder’s departure from his boyhood club before the start of the season.
Smith Rowe, a product of Arsenal’s Hale End Academy, broke into the first team under Arteta four years ago during a pivotal moment in the manager’s tenure. Alongside Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, his youthful energy played a vital role in Arsenal’s resurgence. However, injuries hampered the England international’s impact, reducing him to a peripheral role over the past two seasons.
Ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash at Craven Cottage, Arteta praised Smith Rowe and reflected on the decision to let him leave. “It was a very tough decision to let Emile go,” Arteta admitted. “I feel really grateful for what he did for the club and for me. During that period, he was instrumental in changing some things around here.
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“But in the end, players need to play. He had some tough moments with injuries when we were together, and he needed a fresh start. We understood that, and we let him go.”
When asked if he remains in contact with Smith Rowe, Arteta responded: “Once they leave, you have to let them do their own thing. We speak once in a while, but I’m very grateful for what they did for us and wish them the best.”
Emile Smith Rowe
Emile Smith Rowe (Image credit: Getty Images)
Smith Rowe isn’t the only former Arsenal player in Fulham’s ranks. Alex Iwobi, who departed in 2019 for Everton, returned to London last summer and has been a standout for Marco Silva’s side. Fulham also secured Reiss Nelson on loan this season.Arteta expressed his happiness for the former players, saying, “I’m really happy for them. Reiss is still one of our own, but the rest as well. It’ll be great to see them.”
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Fulham, currently in strong form, head into Sunday’s match following a 3-1 victory over Brighton and a 1-1 draw against Tottenham. These results have lifted Marco Silva’s team to sixth place, highlighting their solid start to the season.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are riding high after a 2-0 win over Manchester United, a result that has reduced their deficit to league leaders Liverpool to seven points. The Gunners will aim to avenge last season’s defeat at Craven Cottage, where Fulham came from behind to claim a memorable victory.
Fulham have never won consecutive league games or home league matches against Arsenal, adding another layer of intrigue to this weekend’s London derby.
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