Match of the Day pundit Ian Wright has hailed the performance of Everton winger Alex Iwobi during the important victory over Manchester United.
The lowdown: Repaying the faith
Despite recent struggles, encapsulated by an error leading to a goal against West Ham recently, Toffees boss Frank Lampard opted to retain the 25-year-old in the starting lineup for the crunch clash at Goodison Park.
That faith was repaid as the ex-Arsenal man played his part in a 1-0 win to move the Blues four points clear of the Premier League relegation zone.
Iwobi made one key pass, two interceptions and ended with an overall passing accuracy of 21/31 (68%) as Lampard’s charges battled their way through (Sofascore).
The latest: Wright impressed
Although the statistics were underwhelming, Iwobi’s work rate impressed Wright.
Speaking on Saturday night’s BBC broadcast of Match of the Day, the ex-Arsenal star was full of praise for the man signed for £40million (Goal).
“Alex Iwobi. He was magnificent, and he’s somebody that no matter how he’s playing – even when he played against West Ham and made a mistake – he does not stop trying to get on the ball, to be progressive.
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“It was his work rate today. This is the kind of performance you want to see from somebody at home. The Everton fans want to see [it] because if they’re going to get themselves out of this predicament, it’s this kind of work rate.”
The verdict: More like it
Whilst a mixture of individual errors and ill-discipline repeatedly cost Everton in recent weeks, there has also been a distinct lack of willingness to compete when the going gets tough – as underpinned in the 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Crystal Palace.
Iwobi’s energy was indicative of an all-around improved display from the Toffees against a star-studded Manchester United side who themselves harbour ambitions of finishing inside the top four.
With just three goals and two assists so far this season, the 50-cap Nigeria star will no doubt be also hoping to influence matters in a more attacking sense during the run-in.
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