Former Arsenal star hails Alex Iwobi's 'trademark cross' after telepathic understanding from training ground pays off
Fulham forward and former Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe praised Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi after scoring in the Premier League.
Smith Rowe has broken his silence after coming off the bench to combine effectively with Nigeria’s Iwobi to earn Fulham a deserved share of the spoils against Manchester United on Sunday at Craven Cottage.
The ex-Gunner said he anticipated Iwobi’s trademark cross and converted it, highlighting their strong understanding in training and matches.
With Manchester United leading 1-0, Smith Rowe’s first touch since coming onto the pitch! He nips in at the near post to poke the ball home from a low Iwobi cross from the left. He was on the pitch for just a minute.
Fulham goalscorer Emile Smith Rowe:
Speaking to the Premier League after the match, Smith Rowe credited his Nigerian teammate, noting that the goal against Manchester United was from training.
“It was really quick. I know when Alex Iwobi gets the ball, his trademark cross. I knew where he was going to put it and I just had to make sure I was there at the right time,” Smith Rowe said.
“It starts from training. We’re very competitive in training, I want to score goals and contribute. We know when we come off the bench we have to work hard.”
Meanwhile, after their deserved draw, Nigeria’s Iwobi says the Cottagers are looking to play in Europe next season and will look to do better than their record finish last season.
One touch. One goal. ❄️ pic.twitter.com/We8jNY6CiJ
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 25, 2025
In a Pulse Sports Nigeria report, Iwobi, who also spoke about his role in Smith Rowe’s goal, stated that Fulham’s ambitions this season is to get more points than the managed last time out.
“To get more points than we did last season – we broke the record, so we aim to break it again and hopefully challenge for a European spot,” Iwobi