Emile Smith Rowe scores SEVEN MINUTES into Fulham debut after £27million Arsenal transfer with diving header
EMILE SMITH ROWE has wasted no time getting settled in at new club Fulham, netting just SEVEN MINUTES into his debut.
The 24-year-old joined the Cottagers from Arsenal last week in a deal worth £27m with £7m in add-ons.
Smith Rowe called time on his 14-year spell with the Gunners after struggling for regular minutes over the last few seasons.
But Fulham fans wouldn’t know that he’s been restricted to limited first team football, with the star bursting into life on his first appearance for the club.
The three-time England international was brought on as a half-time substitute during Fulham’s pre-season clash with Sevilla on Monday.
With Marco Silva‘s side 2-0 down at the time, Smith Rowe has tasked with making a positive difference.
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And after just seven minutes on the pitch he burst into the box and got his head on the end of a delightful cross from Antonee Robinson.
The diving header had started with Smith Rowe too, with the midfielder playing a neat one-touch pass to Robinson to open up the space for the attack.
He has already looked sharp prior to his goal as well, intercepting a Sevilla pass and teeing up an opportunity for Raul Jimenez who fizzed the ball over the bar with the outside of his foot.
Fulham fans certainly seem pleased with their new arrival, hailing the so-called ‘Croydon De Bruyne’.
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On social media, one wrote: “The kid is a star!”
While another added: “Great impact from a future Ballon d’Or winner.”
While some Arsenal fans offered a different view, seemingly frustrated at their club’s decision to let the Hale End graduate leave north London.
One slammed: “Can’t believe we sold him and not Eddie Nketiah!”
And a second wrote: “This is one player we will regret selling. Mark my words”.
Smith Rowe was pleased with his impact himself, in spite of Fulham losing the clash 2-1.
Speaking to Fulham’s official website, he said: “I think personally it was really good.
“Obviously I am disappointed with the result. You always want to win in pre-season.
“But it’s step by step, we’ve got to take each game by game.
“But like I said before, personally, I am really happy with my first minutes today.”
Emile Smith Rowe's Arsenal career
A look at Emile Smith Rowe's career with Arsenal...
Appearances: 115
Goals: 18
Assists: 13
Community Shield winner x2
Debut: September 20, 2018 – Arsenal 4-2 Vorskla Poltava (18 years old)
First goal: October 4, 2018 – Qarabag 0-3 Arsenal (18 years old)
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had already expressed his “sadness” in letting Smith Rowe leave, but made it clear that the switch was the right move for the star’s career.
Speaking to Arsenal’s official outlets last week, he said: “Emile’s commitment, attitude and energy every day was first class, always stepping up when the team needed him.
“He came into the first team and was instrumental during a difficult moment for us. He created an important impression, with his strong performances making our supporters proud.
“I’m sad that Emile is leaving us, but excited for him to take this new opportunity at this stage of his career, when he needs to be starting matches and playing regularly.
“Emile is loved by everyone at the club and leaves us with our gratitude, absolute respect and best wishes. We all wish Emile and his family well at Fulham.”
Smith Rowe will get his first chance to lace his boots in a competitive fixture when Fulham take on Manchester United in the opening game of the Premier League season on August 16.