The second round of Premier League games for the 2026-27 season delivered pure drama in the form of a nostalgic twist in one of the most bitter rivalries in the division.

Newcastle United winger Anthony Elanga scored against Tottenham Hotspur and celebrated in a manner that would have been very familiar to Spurs fans from their north London derby memories.

The Sweden international recreated a celebration from Arsenal icon Thierry Henry, doing so in a match against the Gunners' fiercest rivals. It was a chef's kiss moment from the winger, surely.

His celebration went viral among the Arsenal faithful, whose eyes were glued to their screens as they followed proceedings at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Elanga confirmed after the game that the celebration was a tribute to the Arsenal legend, who is his football idol.

Elanga Explains Thierry Henry Celebration at Tottenham

Anthony Elanga failed to score a single goal for Newcastle United in his debut Premier League campaign, but looks like a man possessed this term.

He opened the scoring for Matthias Jaissle's team in their opener against Liverpool last weekend and did the same against Tottenham. He became the first Newcastle player to score in the first two games of the season since Alan Shearer did in the 2003-04 season.

Elanga's opener in the 62nd minute was the result of a passage of play that showcased the deadly effectiveness of this Newcastle side on the break.

The winger spun away from a defender before firing a precise effort, which went in off the upright to break the deadlock in north London.

He wheeled away immediately the ball hit the net, executing a knee slide in front of the home fans before assuming Thierry Henry's position, while still on his knees

Elanga spoke with Sky Sports after the game, explaining that the Arsenal legend is his favourite player, and he celebrated that way because he scored against Tottenham.

“I’ve always said Thierry Henry is my favourite player, so I knew if I scored today, then that celebration was going to come out."

The goal, the celebration, and Elanga's choice of words after the game would surely have earned him cult hero status among the Arsenal faithful for at least a week, judging by the ferocity of their north London rivalry.

How Elanga’s Heroics Upended Spurs, Making Arsenal Fans Happy

The rivalry between Arsenal and Tottenham is such that fans of one team hope for the failure of the other almost as much as they hope for their own success.

Tottenham have had a club-record outlay this summer, but their season has yet to kick off after back-to-back defeats.

These results will be more pleasing to Arsenal fans than to the fans of the clubs that defeated Spurs.

Newcastle lived dangerously for much of the first half, but Elanga's goal changed everything for them.

Yoane Wissa added a second within ten minutes of Elanga scoring, securing the win over Spurs.

The Swedish winger continues to rediscover his best form and remains humble through it all. He will be a key player for the club this season, following the sale of Anthony Gordon.