Alex Iwobi had a laugh at teammate Emile Smith Rowe’s expense following Fulham’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, cheekily suggesting the young midfielder might be spending a bit too much time in the gym.
In a week where Marco Silva’s men have now triumphed in back-to-back London derbies, Fulham put in a well-rounded performance, leaving Selhurst Park with three more points and plenty of reasons to celebrate.
The first half saw Smith Rowe break the deadlock, slotting one home just before the break. His goal was a result of Fulham’s smart, pressing play, which kept Palace on the back foot. With his knack for getting into the right spaces, Smith Rowe showcased just why he’s becoming such a key figure for Fulham’s attack. Then, in the 83rd minute, Harry Wilson stepped up to add the second, sealing a solid win for the Cottagers.
But the game could’ve seen Smith Rowe walk away with a brace. Iwobi swung in a well-timed cross that Smith Rowe sent straight into the net, only to have it disallowed due to a razor-thin VAR offside call. After the match, Iwobi couldn’t resist teasing his teammate, posting on X, “Someone Tell Emile Stop Doing Uppers In The Gym!”—a playful dig that quickly got fans talking.
Manager Marco Silva was full of praise for Smith Rowe’s growing influence in Fulham’s lineup. Silva didn’t hold back, calling the young midfielder “a top talent and a top boy,” emphasizing not only his skill but his attitude and commitment to the team. “He knows he has to work with his heart to play at the level he’s capable of,” Silva added, clearly seeing a long-term potential in Smith Rowe that he believes will pay dividends as Fulham’s season unfolds.
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Silva went on to say that Smith Rowe has made a “great impact” at Fulham, suggesting that his performances this season are just the start of what he can achieve. He mentioned that while Fulham have had a promising season so far, there’s a shared sense within the squad that they’re capable of more. “I’m going to demand more and more,” he said, setting the tone for a team not resting on its recent success.
Iwobi, too, has found his stride at Fulham under Silva’s guidance. Silva’s familiarity with the Nigerian winger, dating back to their time together at Everton, has clearly helped Iwobi hit the ground running in London. Silva remarked, “Last season was the best season from him in the Premier League, and I’m sure he’s going to be even better this season.” That’s high praise from a manager who’s watched Iwobi’s development firsthand.
Reflecting on his journey with Iwobi, Silva said that he knew from the first week of pre-season that Iwobi was ready to take on a more significant role with Fulham. Silva’s faith in his player’s abilities seems to have spurred Iwobi on; he’s shouldered added responsibility, becoming a dependable figure for the Cottagers both on and off the ball.
Iwobi’s renewed confidence and adaptability are already paying off, with his assists and link-up play becoming central to Fulham’s attack. Silva’s tactical trust in him is unmistakable, giving Fulham an extra creative outlet on the flanks. This chemistry with teammates like Smith Rowe is adding new dimensions to Fulham’s offense, keeping opponents on their toes.
As Fulham continue their upward climb in the league, fans have every reason to be excited about their team’s trajectory. With Silva setting high expectations and key players like Smith Rowe and Iwobi stepping up, the Cottagers look set to push for a strong finish this season. Their performance against Palace shows they’re not just here to survive but to make a mark.
