RismadarVoice Reporters, 30 August 2026
Newcastle United forward Anthony Elanga has revealed that his goal celebration during the club’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Tottenham Hotspur was inspired by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.
Elanga opened the scoring in the 62nd minute at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday before Yoane Wissa added a second goal 10 minutes later to secure Newcastle’s first league win under manager Matthias Jaissle.
After finding the net, the Swedish forward recreated Henry’s famous knee-slide celebration, a moment widely remembered from the former Arsenal striker’s goal against Tottenham in the North London derby at Highbury in November 2002.
Speaking after the match, Elanga explained that Henry has always been his favourite player and that he had already planned the celebration before the game.
“I’ve always said Henry is my favourite player, so I knew if I scored today that celebration was going to come out,” Elanga said.
Henry’s original celebration came after he scored in Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Tottenham, following a remarkable solo run from his own half before finishing past goalkeeper Kasey Keller.
The goal later earned recognition as Goal of the Season and became one of the most iconic moments in North London derby history.
Elanga, who was only six months old when Henry scored that goal, paid tribute to the former Arsenal captain by recreating the celebration during Newcastle’s latest Premier League win.
The victory moved Newcastle to four points from their opening two league matches, while Tottenham suffered back-to-back defeats at the start of the season, failing to score in their first two games for the first time since 1974.
