Emile Smith Rowe left hanging by Arsenal team-mate in awkward moment after substitution during defeat to Fulham
EMILE SMITH ROWE was awkwardly left hanging by Gabriel Martinelli during yesterday’s loss at Fulham.
Arsenal were beaten 2-1 at Craven Cottage as their Premier League title hopes suffered another crushing blow.
That came on the back of Thursday’s 2-0 home defeat to West Ham, with their faltering form leaving them two points behind leaders Liverpool having played a game more going into 2024.
Mikel Arteta’s side took the lead early through Bukayo Saka but they were pegged back before the break when Raul Jimenez converted from Tom Cairney’s cross.
Things then got worse as Bobby Decordova-Reid put Fulham ahead on the hour mark – and that was enough to seal the points for Marco Silva’s men.
However, despite the setback, there was another talking point among Gooners after a strange incident on the bench in the second half.
As Arsenal chased an equaliser, Arteta opted to replace Brazilian winger Martinelli, 22, with Leandro Trossard.
But as Martinelli went to take his seat on the bench, he acknowledged Reiss Nelson but appeared to miss the offer of a handshake from his fellow team-mate Smith Rowe, 23.
One fan wrote: “Didn’t notice this, maybe clears a few things up.
“I genuinely think Smith Rowe is leaving in Jan, which will be a massive loss, we’re so much better with him in the team.”
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Another commented: “Knew something is wrong with dis team but y’all won’t say the truth.”
While a third added: “Feel sorry for ESR at this point he deserves so much better.”
Although some were not as concerned, as they believe that Martinelli just innocently missed Smith Rowe’s outstretched hand.
“Nothing,” said one before they added: “People are just looking for problems where there are none, probably just didn’t see, didn’t dap up Reiss either, Reiss just patted him on the back.”
While a fellow Gooner wrote: “He probably didn’t see him, and you guys are making an issue out of nothing.
“He he main issue is how poor the team has been for more than a month now.”
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