'From the Arsenal academy' - Blackburn Rovers icon hails Iwobi, Smith Rowe after Fulham win v Leicester 

Blackburn Rovers icon Tim Sherwood highlighted the key role played by Arsenal's Hale End Academy products Alex Iwobi and Emile Smith Rowe during Fulham's 2-1 win against Leicester City in a Premier League match at Craven Cottage on Saturday. 

In a 4-2-3-1 formation, Iwobi, Smith Rowe and Adama Traoré were behind Rodrigo Muniz who led the line. 

While Iwobi took up the left side in Fulham's offensive line, Smith Rowe operated in a playmaking role, and  it paid dividends with the two Arsenal alums putting their names on the scoresheet and linking up well.

The Nigeria international had a chance to give the home team the lead but Leicester City goalkeeper Mads Hermansen made a comfortable save down to his right hand side. 

Emile Smith Rowe broke the deadlock in the 18th minute with a great left-footed finish after bursting into the box.

The goal was deemed legitimate despite Leicester City defender James Justin seemingly complaining that he was impeded by Iwobi in the buildup to the opener. 

Wout Faes headed home an equalizer in the 38th minute to ensure both teams went into the break level.

With twenty minutes remaining, Iwobi netted his first goal with the number 17 on the back of his Fulham jersey, which proved to be the difference. 

Reacting to Fulham's second goal against the Foxes, Sherwood said on Premier League Productions' The Weekend Wrap on Sunday night: "Iwobi. Two goals from the young boys from the Arsenal academy. Tried to hit the target, the goalkeeper should do better really.

"It was a deserved win for Fulham. I agree with Don Hutchison, Marco Silva is a very, very good manager who's got a good group of players. They play attractive style. The fans are happy watching that group of players at the moment."

Iwobi's five goals in the 2023-2024 campaign was his best return to date in a single season in the Premier League. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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