Former Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe watched the Gunners beat Tottenham 4-1 in the north London derby from Fulham’s team bus, where he mocked ex-Spurs team-mate Ryan Sessegnon
Emile Smith Rowe celebrated after Viktor Gyokeres scored for Arsenal against Tottenham(Image: Credit: Alex Iwobi YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDtsjAjDMD8)
Former Arsenal ace Emile Smith Rowe joined a contingent of ex-Gunners at Fulham to witness their comfortable 4-1 triumph over Tottenham in the North London Derby at the weekend. It was a crucial fixture for Mikel Arteta and his squad to rebound following some recent difficulties.
Both Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres netted twice for Arsenal, nullifying a first-half goal from Randal Kolo Muani against the run of play. It mirrored the result of the earlier encounter this season, securing an 8-2 aggregate win over the two clashes between the two close rivals.
The match attracted considerable attention, from those vying for the title, such as Manchester City and Aston Villa, to those embroiled in the relegation battle, like Nottingham Forest and West Ham.
READ MORE: Inside Arsenal’s academy refocus to chase profits made by Chelsea and Man CityREAD MORE: Arsenal talisman urged to consider quitting the Emirates – ‘He’s not influential anymore’
Nonetheless, there was a core group of former Arsenal stars observing from the Fulham coach, as revealed by behind-the-scenes footage from Alex Iwobi, following their 3-1 victory away at Sunderland on Sunday.
Iwobi uploaded footage of the team coach post-match on his YouTube channel, which featured plenty of reactions from those who have represented both clubs. “Eberechi, tell them be quiet my boy!” Calvin Bassey exclaimed after Eze scored the opening goal in the game on his screen.
“It’s kind of quiet over these sides,” Iwobi then commented, taking a swipe at ex-Tottenham defender Ryan Sessegnon on the Fulham coach.
The duo subsequently took a moment to commend Eze’s skill in terms of his technical prowess and physical characteristics, with Bassey stating: “I think he meant that touch. He has far too much quality to not mean that. Bro he’s too strong though, he is strong bro. And he can move. I had to put everything and went [shoulder barge movement].”
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news and more on our dedicated Facebook page
Iwobi then remarked about Eze: “Bass, I tried to shift him for the corner, he shifted me. He blocked me and Bernd [Leno]. I tried to shift him and I got hurt bro.”
Smith Rowe then joined in and attempted to tease Sessegnon, saying: “Sess.” before merely mimicking the celebration from Eze. He replicated the cross celebration that the forward performed after netting the first goal, sporting a sly grin on his face whilst doing so, and Iwobi couldn’t resist chuckling.
Emile Smith Rowe celebrated Arsenal scoring against Tottenham to mock Ryan Sessegnon on the Fulham team bus(Image: Credit: Alex Iwobi YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDtsjAjDMD8)
Sessegnon retaliated after Kolo Muani levelled the score, declaring: “Alex, get this. Get this. Yes. Come on! Hold that.” However, once the match began to slip away from Spurs in the second half, the jibes at him resumed.
Smith Rowe spun around and imitated the Gyokeres celebration, covering his mouth with his hands to ridicule his teammate, after the Gunners’ second goal was scored.
Sessegnon heaped praise on Gyokeres, stating: “That’s a great touch and finish. I can’t even say anything, that’s a great finish.” Smith Rowe’s teasing left the ex-Tottenham player covering his face as he acknowledged Arsenal’s dominance.
Ryan Sessegnon reacts to Arsenal’s second goal of the North London Derby(Image: Credit: Alex Iwobi YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDtsjAjDMD8)
This speaks volumes about the enduring support Smith Rowe has for Arsenal, having evidently rooted for his former squad during the match. Despite his departure in 2024, the midfielder is still warmly remembered for his stint at the Emirates Stadium, something he clearly cherishes.
The 25-year-old ascended through the club’s youth ranks, progressing from the under-18s and under-23s to earn his place in the first team. Loan spells at RB Leipzig and Huddersfield Town aided his development to this point, positioning him as a pivotal figure in the early stages of Arteta’s tenure.
Smith Rowe ultimately made 115 appearances for Arsenal, netting 18 goals and providing 13 assists during that period. If injuries hadn’t been such a significant factor for the attacking midfielder, he might still have had a role at Arsenal, given the importance of his partnership with Bukayo Saka when they both emerged.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
His eventual transfer to Fulham, which came with a price tag that could escalate to £34million, has seen some intermittent moments for him thus far. In 72 appearances, he has scored 11 goals and provided three assists, but has struggled to cement a starting spot as his own, as he continues to vie for a position in the team.
“It was a very tough decision, obviously, to let Emile go, especially because personally, I feel really grateful for what he did for the club and for me,” Arteta said in 2024, following the departure of the Hale End academy graduate. “In that period of time, I think he was instrumental in changing some things around it but in the end, players have to play.
“He had a lot of difficult moments as well. A lot of struggles with injuries when we were together and he needed that fresh start. It’s normal. We understood that and we let him go.”
Whilst it remains to be seen exactly how well the rest of his Fulham chapter will unfold, it’s evident that he still carries that Arsenal part of him even whilst playing for the Whites.
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings