Mikel Arteta Reflects on Emile Smith Rowe: A Missed Opportunity

Mikel Arteta has opened up about his feelings regarding Emile Smith Rowe’s departure from Arsenal, admitting he failed to fully harness the young midfielder’s potential. For Gunners fans, Smith Rowe was more than just a promising player; he embodied the spirit of Hale End’s storied academy. However, a combination of injuries and limited opportunities eventually led the talented player to seek greener pastures.

Now thriving at Fulham, Smith Rowe is a key figure in Marco Silva’s lineup, proving his worth with goals and assists while adding creativity to the Cottagers’ midfield. 

When Smith Rowe broke into Arsenal’s first team, the club was navigating a turbulent phase. His arrival was like a breath of fresh air. During the 2021/22 season, he scored 11 goals across all competitions, playing a pivotal role in reigniting the Gunners’ ambitions. Fans quickly embraced his energy and connection to the club, seeing him as a future leader and a symbol of Arsenal’s youth-driven resurgence.

Arteta himself acknowledged Smith Rowe’s transformative impact during those early days. “He created a different energy straight away,” the manager said, reflecting on the young midfielder’s ability to inspire both teammates and supporters.

Unfortunately, injuries soon disrupted Smith Rowe’s trajectory. A persistent groin issue sidelined him for much of the following season, leaving Arsenal without one of their most dynamic talents. While the team soared close to Premier League glory, Smith Rowe’s absence became a glaring void.

In the summer of 2023, Smith Rowe made the difficult decision to leave his boyhood club, joining Fulham in a £34 million deal. It wasn’t an easy move, but it was one that offered him a fresh start and a chance to play regularly.

At Fulham, Smith Rowe has flourished. With three league goals and two assists to his name, he’s quickly become a vital player for Silva’s side. His performances underscore the potential that Arsenal fans had always seen in him, now realized in west London.

For Arteta, the departure came with a sense of regret. Speaking about Smith Rowe, he admitted, “I have a feeling like ‘argh’, that I have not got the best out of him.” Arteta also highlighted the challenges young players face in breaking into the first team, emphasizing his own sense of responsibility in helping them succeed.

While the decision to part ways may have been necessary for both parties, Arteta’s reflections reveal the emotional weight of letting go of a player who had once been integral to Arsenal’s resurgence.