Nigerian music stars Tems and Ayra Starr were among the spectators at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to West Ham United.
The match, a crucial encounter in the Premier League title race, saw the Gunners drop vital points at home, giving league leaders Liverpool an even stronger grip on the top spot. The loss left Arsenal fans in frustration, as they struggled to break down a resilient West Ham defense.
The game’s only goal came in the 44th minute when Jarrod Bowen capitalized on a well-delivered cross from Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Bowen’s precise header found the back of the net, leaving Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya with no chance.
The goal came at a critical moment, just before halftime, shifting the momentum in favor of the visitors and placing immense pressure on Mikel Arteta’s men to respond.
Despite dominating possession in the second half, Arsenal struggled to create clear-cut chances. Their situation worsened in the 70th minute when young midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly received a straight red card for bringing down West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus.
The dismissal left the Gunners with ten men, making their task of securing an equalizer even more difficult. Tems and Ayra Starr, both known to be football fans, watched on as Arsenal’s hopes faded with each passing minute.
By the final whistle, Arsenal had managed just two shots on target throughout the game, a statistic that highlighted their struggles in front of goal. The defeat not only hurt their title ambitions but also allowed their rivals to extend the gap at the top of the table.
With 53 points from 26 games, Arsenal now sit eight points behind Liverpool, adding further pressure on Arteta and his squad as they enter the final stretch of the season.
Tems’ appearance at the Emirates came just days after she made headlines with her new venture into football club ownership. The singer recently became a co-owner of San Diego FC, a Major League Soccer (MLS) club, marking a significant business move in her career.
Her investment in the club was facilitated through her company, The Leading Vibe, in partnership with Pave Investments, an African private investment firm known for its role in securing investors for NBA Africa.
In an official statement announcing her involvement, Tems expressed her enthusiasm for the project. “I am thrilled to join San Diego FC’s ownership group and to be part of a club that celebrates creativity, culture, and the power of community,” she said.
She further emphasized her belief in the unifying power of football, stating, “Football has a unique way of bringing people together, and I am excited to help build something special in San Diego, a city that thrives on diversity and innovation.”
San Diego FC also acknowledged Tems’ influence and vision in a separate statement. The club described her as someone who aligns with their values and commitment to excellence, highlighting her passion for community engagement.
“We are excited to welcome Tems as a partner in our journey,” the club’s spokesperson noted. “Her dedication to fostering unity and creativity is something that resonates deeply with our mission.”
The announcement of her stake in the MLS team has drawn widespread attention, with fans and industry experts praising her for diversifying her portfolio beyond music.
This strategic move has positioned her alongside a growing list of global celebrities who have ventured into sports ownership, further expanding her influence beyond entertainment. Many are now eager to see how her involvement will shape the future of the club.
With Tems making such significant moves in the football world, speculation has emerged regarding her visit to the Emirates Stadium. Some believe it could be linked to her recent acquisition of San Diego FC, possibly signaling new business interests in European football.
Others suggest she was simply there to enjoy a thrilling match and show her support for Arsenal, a club known for its global appeal.
Regardless of the reason for her visit, one thing is clear—Tems continues to make waves, both in music and in business. Whether on the stage or in the boardroom, her influence is steadily growing, proving that her impact extends far beyond the Afrobeats scene.
As she navigates this new chapter, fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see what she does next in the worlds of music, business, and football.
