Emile Smith-Rowe is already showing that Fulham can be the place where he can fulfil his potential after joining from Arsenal for £34 million in the summer.

The 24-year-old opened the scoring in Fulham’s 2-1 victory over Leicester City with a fine run and finish, before another former Arsenal player, Alex Iwobi, sealed the win after Wout Faes controversially equalised for Leicester.

Smith-Rowe’s time at boyhood club Arsenal ended in frustration, making just 13 Premier League appearances last season as a combination of injuries and increasing competition for places limited his playing time.

But after seeking a fresh start with a transfer across London this summer, the Englishman is already showing that he can be the man to take Fulham to the next level.

“He didn’t play football last season, and two seasons ago either. I think it’s his first Premier League goal in two years too,” Silva said after Fulham’s win.

“He needs moments like these to boost his confidence. Physically, he is far from being at his best. His performance will improve, he will get to know us and our style of play better, he will adapt better and adjust his body to the tough competition in the Premier League.

“We will certainly see better things from him in the future.”

If there is indeed a lot more to come from Smith-Rowe, Fulham fans have reason to rejoice, as the attacking midfielder has already played a significant role in their team’s victory.

In the 18th minute, he gave his team a deserved lead against Leicester, collecting a pass from Adama Traoré, brilliantly controlling the ball, heading it towards goal with Mads Hermansen and then calmly slotting the ball past the away team’s goalkeeper.

But it looked like a series of missed chances would cost Silva’s side the win when Faes equalised before half-time with a header from a corner by Brighton loanee Facundo Buonanotte. The goal was initially disallowed for offside by Jamie Vardy, who was deemed to have blocked goalkeeper Bernd Leno’s view from an offside position, but after a VAR review the decision was overturned.

But Fulham had another former Arsenal player to thank for their victory at the start of the home season: Antonee Robinson sent Iwobi towards goal on the left, who put the ball into the net after a deflection by Hermansen.

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