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Alex Iwobi on Olivier Giroud's stunning strike against Crystal Palace

Olivier Giroud celebrates with Alex Iwobi (right) and Hector Bellerin after scoring against Crystal Palace
Image: Olivier Giroud celebrates with Alex Iwobi (right) and Hector Bellerin after scoring against Crystal Palace

Alex Iwobi has revealed that the Arsenal squad was left open-mouthed by Olivier Giroud's superb goal against Crystal Palace on New Year's Day.

The Frenchman's spectacular back-heeled volley was the first goal in Arsenal's 2-0 triumph over the Eagles on Saturday.

Giroud met Alexis Sanchez's cross by volleying the ball over his own head and in off the crossbar.

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Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace

The 20-year-old Nigerian midfielder netted the other goal at the Emirates and Iwobi admitted: "A lot of people were coming into the dressing room with their mouths open.

"They couldn't believe it. They were all congratulating him but it was only half-time. At the end of the game we could say well done Ollie.

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Arsenal's greatest Premier League goals

"It's rare. We have some special players and you do see the odd crazy thing but nothing like that has ever happened in training.

"Ollie scored a special goal. I have never seen a better goal than that live. It was amazing for me as well to get another goal in the Premier League."

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Iwobi has now made 23 appearances for the Gunners this season, in all competitions, more than he made during the entire 2015/16 season.

And he is delighted to be wearing the Arsenal shirt more times this campaign: "This time last year I was just playing in the cup games and happy to be there.

Alex Iwobi celebrates his goal against Crystal Palace
Image: Iwobi celebrates his goal against Crystal Palace

"To be starting almost every week is just amazing progress for me. I'm still young, still learning and there is still a long way to go.

"Number 10 is where I have grown up playing and where I enjoy playing the most but wherever I am put on the pitch, I will do my best and whenever I get told to play any position I give 100 per-cent.

"There are a lot of players who can play number 10, and a lot of ball players in the team. Every day in training I am always learning and trying to add it to my game."

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