kayode OGUNDARE:
Nigerian youngster Alex Iwobi has been voted BBC Man-of-the-Match for his goal and sparkling performance in Arsenal’s 4-0 win over Odion Ighalo’s Watford at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
The youngster, who scored his first senior goal before the international break, was all over the Wartford defence and it was his cross, from the left, that Alexis Sanchez turned into the Gunners’s first goal of the game.
The Chilean returned the favour minutes later and cut back from the right for a easy tap in for the Nigerian international to score his second Premier League goal.
After the game, an ecstatic Iwobi expressed joy at how things are panning out for him just a week after making his international debut for Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
“It’s crazy, a mad feeling. When you’re young, you dream of this and this is like a dream come true, winning with this team,” he said.
And while others may be giving up hope on Arsenal winning the Premier League this season, the youngster has resolved to fight till the very end, taking it a game at a time.
He said: “Winning the title would be amazing but we’re taking each game as it comes, game by game, and we will see where we end up come the end of the season.”
Understandably, his manager has showered him with praise for a fantastic performance which belied his age in such a competitive league.
“I am very happy because it was a good performance. We scored goals and didn’t concede, and kept the game having a good flow even at 3-0 up. I am pleased with Alex Iwobi’s talent but even more with his attitude and his willingness to learn and to contribute with his teamwork,” theFrenchman said in a post-match interview.
Iwobi’s international teammate Ighalo had a quiet afternoon and was substituted after 45 minutes following Arsenal’s sustained blitz on the Hornets.
A disappointed Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores said: “It is the first time we have conceded four goals and we are not happy with that. We looked light and soft, and that is not our style. We need to finish the season in the best way possible, because the players have worked very hard all season. I can’t be angry with the team because I am the team, and I cannot be angry with myself.”
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