Chuka Iwobi, the father of Alex Iwobi, couldn’t believe that his son started for Arsenal at the Camp Nou earlier this month, revealing just how proud he was of the teenager.
The 19-year-old has made his breakthrough into the Arsenal first-team this season, making his first Premier League appearance in the 3-0 win at Swansea City back in October, but it was still a surprise that Arsene Wenger started him in the second leg of their last 16 Champions League tie with Barcelona, trailing 2-0 on aggregate.
However Iwobi, along with Mohamed Elneny, was one of the bright sparks for the Gunners on the night, as they lost 3-1 to the Catalan giants, going out 5-1 on aggregate. The performance of the teenager did soften the blow somewhat, while he followed that up with his first goal in Arsenal’s next clash with Everton last weekend.
Iwobi’s dad missed the goal at Goodison Park, but reflected on his son’s impact for Wenger’s side in recent games, particularly the clash with the reigning European champions.
“I couldn’t make the game because of the distance and the fact that the manager does not announce the team sheet until very late in the day,” Chuka told The Sun. “The week before that, he played at the Camp Nou against Barcelona and the likes of Neymar, Messi and Suarez. At 19?
“That was a big moment, it was unbelievable. I kept pinching myself and couldn’t believe it. I asked ‘Is that really Alex?’ It’s beyond words how proud I am.”
As well as his goal, Iwobi has created one chance and won 23% of his duels in six Premier League appearances this term, with a shot accuracy of 67%.
Arsenal sit third on 55 points following the win at Everton prior to the international break, six behind Tottenham Hotspur in second and 11 adrift of leaders Leicester City with just eight games remaining.
Next up for Wenger’s men is a home clash with Watford this weekend, who just a few weeks ago knocked them out of the FA Cup at the Emirates in the quarter-finals.
Chuka Iwobi, the father of Alex Iwobi, couldn’t believe that his son started for Arsenal at the Camp Nou earlier this month, revealing just how proud he was of the teenager.
The 19-year-old has made his breakthrough into the Arsenal first-team this season, making his first Premier League appearance in the 3-0 win at Swansea City back in October, but it was still a surprise that Arsene Wenger started him in the second leg of their last 16 Champions League tie with Barcelona, trailing 2-0 on aggregate.
However Iwobi, along with Mohamed Elneny, was one of the bright sparks for the Gunners on the night, as they lost 3-1 to the Catalan giants, going out 5-1 on aggregate. The performance of the teenager did soften the blow somewhat, while he followed that up with his first goal in Arsenal’s next clash with Everton last weekend.
Iwobi’s dad missed the goal at Goodison Park, but reflected on his son’s impact for Wenger’s side in recent games, particularly the clash with the reigning European champions.
“I couldn’t make the game because of the distance and the fact that the manager does not announce the team sheet until very late in the day,” Chuka told The Sun. “The week before that, he played at the Camp Nou against Barcelona and the likes of Neymar, Messi and Suarez. At 19?
“That was a big moment, it was unbelievable. I kept pinching myself and couldn’t believe it. I asked ‘Is that really Alex?’ It’s beyond words how proud I am.”
As well as his goal, Iwobi has created one chance and won 23% of his duels in six Premier League appearances this term, with a shot accuracy of 67%.
Arsenal sit third on 55 points following the win at Everton prior to the international break, six behind Tottenham Hotspur in second and 11 adrift of leaders Leicester City with just eight games remaining.
Next up for Wenger’s men is a home clash with Watford this weekend, who just a few weeks ago knocked them out of the FA Cup at the Emirates in the quarter-finals.
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