Fulham FC v Brighton & Hove Albion FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
Fulham's Emile Smith Rowe sent a warning to his former side Arsenal ahead of the two sides' clash in the Premier League
Fulham star Emile Smith Rowe has sent a warning to his former side Arsenal ahead of the Premier League clash between the two London rivals. The Englishman claimed that he is eager to show the Gunners 'what they are missing out on' during the reunion with his boyhood club.
After falling out of favour under Mikel Arteta, Smith Rowe joined the Cottagers for a reported £27 million plus £7 million in add-ons in the summer of 2024. He bagged 18 goals and 13 assists in 115 appearances before his departure from the Emirates and many Gunners' fans were left unhappy with the transfer.
He has had an instant impact for his new side, with his tricky dribbling and fruitful creativity resulting in three goals and two assists (16 appearances). When asked why he decided to swap north London for west London, the 24-year-old said that he was at the crossroads in his career where he had to seek a new challenge.
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Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Smith Rowe said (via Daily Mail):
"At the age 24, you want to be playing every week and getting opportunities and it was getting to the point where I wasn’t really getting opportunities anymore for whatever reason. I had to make the decision to move on. I’m getting my chances now and I’m really happy with it."
The ex-Gunner also laid down the gauntlet to his former side, adding:
"I obviously want show them what they are missing out on in terms of being there and leaving, but it’s nothing personal. I have so much love for them but obviously I want to win with Fulham."
Arsenal take on Fulham in a highly-anticipated Premier League London derby on December 8.
"They are in a great moment" - Fulham manager praises Arsenal ahead of Premier League clash
Fulham manager Marco Silva praised his side's upcoming Premier League opponents Arsenal, claiming that the Cottagers will find it difficult to break them down.
Silva, who also managed Hull City, Watford and Everton in the English top-flight, stated that Mikel Arteta's team is 'in a great moment' after a positive set of results going into the clash.
In his pre-match press conference, the Portuguese tactician said (via HammyEnd):
"No-one surprises anyone in Premier League no more. You know how Mikel (Arteta) and the Arsenal team respect everybody in this competition, they know that it’s really tough to play and win games at this level."
"It’s going to be even more difficult. Firstly, because with the game last night, it’s going to be (a) really short (turnaround), and because they (Arsenal) are in a great moment, definitely. And they are going to be more aware, probably, about our strengths, and it’s going to be tougher for us," Silva added.
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Arsenal currently sit on 28 points, placing them third in the Premier League standings. If they secure the victory against Fulham and Chelsea (28 points) drop points in the 'Battle of the Bridge' against Tottenham Hotspur, they could end Matchday 14 in second place on the league table