Loads of Everton fans have taken to social media to slam Alex Iwobi for his wayward shooting, after the Nigerian featured for 87 minutes in the Toffees’ 2-0 win over West Ham United on Saturday.
Marco Silva made five changes to the side that were beaten by Burnley prior to the international break, with Djibril Sidibe coming in for the suspended Seamus Coleman, Tom Davies and Andre Gomes replacing Fabian Delph and Morgan Schneiderlin in the centre, while Theo Walcott and Bernard formed part of a reformed attacking line-up alongside Iwobi and with Richarlison moving to striker.
Silva’s decision to start Iwobi from the centre of his attacking midfield line was the first such instance since the Nigeria international moved to Goodison Park from Arsenal in the summer, with his previous Premier League appearances in Royal Blue coming as the wide-left option or from the bench.
Many Everton fans were left impressed by the 38-cap international’s performance from the centre, with some tipping the 23-year-old as a Man of the Match contender. However, Iwobi’s shooting also left lots of supporters venting their frustrations online, with one noting that he should hang his head in shame for the ’embarrassing’ nature of his efforts.
Iwobi attempted two shots in total against Manuel Pellegrini’s travelling West Ham side on Saturday, per WhoScored data, with both forcing Roberto Jimenez into action. But the power he managed to strike the ball with allowed the 33-year-old shot-stopper to calmly smother the danger on both occasions.
The 23-year-old’s two shots were the second-most attempted by an Everton player against West Ham, only behind Theo Walcott who tried his luck seven times.
As well as his unsuccessful efforts on goal, Iwobi recorded 53 touches, completed three of five dribbles, and played two key balls amid 26 accurate passes. But for many, the key part of his game was his wayward shooting.
Here are some of the messaged shared focusing on Iwobi’s shooting…
Iwobi HAS to score that. Everton cannot afford to miss chances like that when only one goal in front. #efc
— Elliott Cuff (@CuffWrites) October 19, 2019
How has Iwobi missed that
— G (@GeorgeWoodEFC) October 19, 2019
Omg Iwobi what a bad miss #efc
— Simon Currie (@sicurrie) October 19, 2019
Iwobi too? How much did we pay for him? He can’t bury a point blank range shot? Boots it right at the keeper? SMH Gotta finish #EFC
— Blue Season (@SchneiderErnie) October 19, 2019
Iwobi what a load a … efc buy arsenal duds #WHUEVE
— Avtar Kalsi (@AvKalsi73) October 19, 2019
What a run and ball from a Sidibe. Iwobi though, hang your head in shame. Embarrassing finishing again…could be very costly! @Everton #coyb #efc #EVEWHU
— Greg (@GregEFC) October 19, 2019
Iwobi and Walcott highlighting how good they both are at creating chances and then blowing them. #afc #efc
— Pauly Bear-Down (@p_fan) October 19, 2019
Imagine Iwobi with Sigurdssons shooting. Ballon d’or winner
— Adam (@adxmEFC) October 19, 2019
