Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger is a happy man after his side opened the year in style with an easy 2-0 win against Crystal Palace at the Emirates.
The French Manager was full of praises for the 20-year-old Nigerian Attacker who was playing his first game in a number ten position. Iwobi was filling in for the Germany play-maker Mesuit Ozil who is out with a chest infection in center of the midfield.
While facing the press, despite much of the conversation being understandably centered on Olivier Giroud’s scorpion kick goal, Wenger was quick to point out how he was impressed with Iwobi’s performance.
Wenger pointed out Iwobi’s exceptional qualities saying,
“I believe he is always available, quick in his movement, wants the ball, can hold people off. People forget he’s 20 years old. I think he had a very good game – on top of that, now he starts to score goals.”
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“His quality of pass, of availability, is exceptional for a young boy. He lacked a bit of quality of [receptiveness] in dangerous areas and I hope that these goals he scores now will give him the taste as well to go where he can finish it off.”[/perfectpullquote]
“There are always signs when a guy starts to score goals in training that they’ll come in games, and he has that. Now in training he starts to score goals. I’m sure he will score as well in the games”.
He concluded saying he that he hopes, “……. that these goals he scores now will give him the taste as well to go [into positions] where he can finish it off.”
Iwobi headed in Arsenal’s second with a fine finish into the roof of the net paying off Wenger’s gamble to start him in the number ten position. He has now been directly involved in Five Premier League goals scoring two, assisting three.
Wenger has clearly proved he’s Iwobi’s big fan and believes the young footballer has a bright future at the Emirates.
Featured Photo: Courtesy of ARSENAL FC
