Arsenal won a hard-fought clash with Ipswich Town on Friday evening, pushing themselves back into second spot in the Premier League. The win came courtesy of a single Kai Havertz goal which left supporters perhaps wanting more but relieved with the three points.
With it being the Christmas period and the first game since December 25, there was still plenty of festivities going on inside the ground. In fact, I have never seen the mixed zone more busy with players' families and friends.
Add to that some famous faces and even players of other clubs and it makes for an interesting insight behind the scenes. Therefore, this week’s Inside Emirates has some glitz and glamour.
John Legend and Ed Sheeran
It was almost inevitable with Ipswich in town that Ed Sheeran would indeed make an appearance and the singer did indeed come out the escalators from the director’s box. He made a swift exit away from any potential autograph chasers.
One musical star that did stick around however was John Legend who many may have already seen given his rendition of North London Forever (The Angel). He was in a festive mood and came quite literally singing through the mixed zone with his family before heading up to the pitch.
Bukayo Saka absence gets its answer
One man I was looking out for more so than those present in the UK Top 40 was Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka. Injured in the trip to Crystal Palace, there had been rumours online that the England international had escaped surgery and so I was expecting to perhaps see him after the match.
While his family was in attendance, Bukayo was nowhere to be seen and it would of course transpire that Mikel Arteta would confirm he had undergone surgery explaining his absence. Hopefully it is not too long before he returns.
Quinten Timber
I spoke to Jurrien Timber after the game, of which you can read our conversation here. However, he was a little distracted during the chat as it begun with his twin brother and Feyenoord midfielder Quinten Timber in town to watch too.
He could be seen poking his head round in what surely was an attempt to make his brother laugh as he conducted his post-match chat – which worked on more than just Jurrien. Quinten has impressed in the Eredivisie and many fans have wanted him to unite with his brother in north London – this might however be the closest we get.
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