Mikel Arteta transfer decision comes back to haunt ahead of Arsenal game vs Man City
The sight of Emile Smith Rowe scoring for Fulham in their 3-1 win against Newcastle on Saturday would have brought joy to some Arsenal fans, while others might be left wondering why he was allowed to leave the Emirates this summer.
The 24 year old, who joined Fulham in a club-record deal, has made an instant impact in west London, scoring two goals and providing an assist for Marco Silva's side as he looks to revive his career after two injury-plagued years.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are facing a crisis with captain Martin Odegaard expected to be out for up to eight weeks with ankle ligament damage sustained while on international duty with Norway.
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Arsenal fans can't help but think that Smith Rowe would have been the obvious choice to replace Odegaard if he were still at the club. However, the Gunners are now short on options ahead of their crucial clash with Manchester City.
Arteta had made it clear that he didn't want Smith Rowe to leave, admitting in August that he felt "really sad" about his departure.
"I think he was the player who made our supporters and the team click, in a way. I don't know how to explain it, but that was my feeling. Something changed when he came into the team. He created a different energy straight away."
Smith Rowe's quest for regular first-team football led him to a career crossroads, and he left his childhood club with their best wishes. He's now flourishing at Craven Cottage, but his departure has left a bitter taste in North London.
Arteta's reluctant decision to let him go has left the Spanish manager scrambling for a replacement to join Declan Rice and Thomas Partey in the midfield trio.
Kai Havertz has had stints in midfield, but the German doesn't quite match Odegaard's creative influence in the final third. Leandro Trossard could also fill the No. 10 role, although the Belgian is more effective on the left wing.
Adding to Arteta's woes, summer signing Mikel Marino has been sidelined with a shoulder injury since his transfer from Real Sociedad. While Arsenal managed without Rice in their 1-0 victory over Tottenham in the North London derby, facing Pep Guardiola's champions will be a tougher challenge, particularly without Odegaard.
In hindsight, Smith Rowe's departure may have been the right move for all involved at the time, but now Arsenal are feeling the pinch of their summer transfer dealings ahead of a pivotal match in their season.