Sunday 20 March 2016 12:49, UK
Arsenal bounced back from a gruelling few weeks with a comfortable 2-0 win at Everton to keep their faint Premier League title hopes alive. Alex Iwobi's goalscoring performance was a particular cause for optimism for Arsene Wenger, writes Nick Wright…
There were moments in the Nou Camp on Wednesday when Alex Iwobi's composure defied his inexperience. The 19-year-old, who was playing for Arsenal's U21s as recently as December, showed no fear on the same stage as Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, and his first Premier League start against Everton provided further encouragement.
Iwobi had only played 40 minutes of Premier League football across five substitute appearances prior to Saturday's trip to Goodison Park, but on this evidence Theo Walcott and Joel Campbell will have to get used to kicking their heels on the bench. The nephew of Nigeria legend Jay-Jay Okocha has quality as well as confidence, and Everton's defenders will not remember their first meeting fondly.
As against Barcelona less than 72 hours previously, Iwobi lined up on the left-hand side of a dynamic front three with Danny Welbeck through the centre and Alexis Sanchez on the right. An early missed shooting chance from a Mesut Ozil cutback was an inauspicious start, but things started clicking soon enough.
Arsenal's bewitching attacking interplay in the first half contrasted sharply with their laboured displays in recent weeks. Iwobi was right at the heart of it. He was one of nine players involved in the build-up to Welbeck's beautifully constructed opener, he showed a willingness to test Joel Robles with a side-footed effort moments after that goal, and he also teed up Ozil for a goalbound shot that was bravely blocked by Phil Jagielka.
Wenger has talked up Iwobi's "awareness" and "intelligence" at various points this season, and the academy graduate has also looked comfortable behind the striker in FA Cup games. The versatility is impressive for such a young player, and at Goodison Park his movement off the flank repeatedly put him in dangerous positions in front of Everton's defence.
It wasn't just in Everton's half that Iwobi excelled. His all-round contribution was highlighted by the fact he made as many successful tackles as midfield enforcer Francis Coquelin (four), and it was his muscular defensive work that started the move he finished off himself for the second goal.
After winning possession from Muhamed Besic deep in Arsenal territory, Iwobi was alert to spot the gap in Everton's defence and burst forward. Hector Bellerin's lofted pass sent him bearing down on goal, but there was still plenty left for the teenager to do.
Iwobi needed pace and strength to stay ahead of Ramiro Funes Mori, and he kept a cool head to finish smartly through Robles' legs. It was exactly the kind of opportunity that Arsenal have failed to take in recent weeks, but Iwobi never looked like shrinking in front of goal.
His swagger typified what was becoming one of Arsenal's best displays of the season. Just before half-time he exchanged backheels with Welbeck on the edge of Everton's box, and he caught the eye again in the 52nd minute, when, after stealing possession on the left, he shrugged off Seamus Coleman and James McCarthy, rolled the ball under his studs and serenely stroked it back to Gabriel Paulista.
There were moments of indecision as the second half wore on but Iwobi never lost belief and he could be forgiven for tiring after a second industrious performance in three days. When he was substituted in the 86th minute it was to loud applause from the travelling fans, and only Mohamed Elneny had run further than his 10.61km.
It's little wonder Wenger is such a fan. Iwobi first caught the Frenchman's eye with a goalscoring display in a 6-0 win over Lyon at the Emirates Cup in pre-season, and he directed more praise at the teenager in his post-match press conference at Goodison Park.
"He is an intelligent boy who loves football, is very passionate about the game, keen to learn and very humble as well," he said. "I took him in pre-season and I liked what he did. After that he improved very quickly. He did very well. I integrated him and played him."
It has been a damaging period for Arsenal and Leicester's 1-0 win over Crystal Palace ensures their Premier League title hopes are still remote, but Iwobi's emergence has provided some welcome relief. If the Gunners are to finish the season strongly, the teenager is likely to have a big role to play in the months ahead.
