Emile Smith Rowe scored one and assisted one in a starring performance for Huddersfield, even if it wasn’t enough to avoid defeat to Fulham.

Smith Rowe started his third game for Huddersfield against Fulham on Saturday, but it didn’t go well at first. In the opening half an hour, the hosts ran riot, scoring three times.

The game looked dead and buried already, but Smith Rowe sparked life back into it with a goal in the 35th minute – his first for Huddersfield. Minutes later, he had his first assist for the club, setting up Steve Mounie.

You can watch the highlights here, including the goal and assist.

Although Smith Rowe created another big chance in the second half, Huddersfield couldn’t score again. The match finished 3-2, a disappointing defeat despite the Arsenal loanee’s efforts.

On an individual level, the midfielder was excellent. He completed 92% of his passes, creating three chances, two of which went down as ‘big chances’. Both of his shots were on target, he completed three out of five dribbles and won a couple of free-kicks.

WhoScored gave Smith Rowe their Man-of-the-Match award, despite the defeat.

Impressing the boss

Huddersfield boss Danny Cowley also took the time to praise the 19-year-old.

“He’s bright, he’s a good footballer,” Cowley admitted. “He gives us a real link in-behind that we were desperate for. He’s made our offensive play better instantaneously really and that’s positive going forward.

“I want him to be more ruthless and get value for his good play with goals and assists. I’m pleased he did that today with (the) two goals.”

Arguably, Smith Rowe should have had an assist on his debut, with better finishing. It’s certainly a good thing for the teenager if he can start racking up the goal contributions regularly.