Alex Iwobi insists that everyone at Arsenal has Arsene Wenger’s back.

Iwobi claims that while Wenger doesn’t let his critics get to him, everyone at Arsenal stands by their manager.

“I think he is a very good man. He is very patient. Wherever he goes, there are going to be critics,” the forward told Soccer Laduma.

“He is getting these comments, but I think he is dealing with it very well. He is focused on the next job, and on the next game.

“He doesn’t really let the critics get to him. At the end of the day, fans are entitled to say what they want to say.

“But the coach keeps on pushing. He is well respected and everyone has his back.”

Obviously, it’s not as if Iwobi would tell us if there were people at the club who disagree with the way Wenger runs it. There probably are – in contrast to the media-trained robots we’re lead to believe inhabit London Colney, they’re all actually human beings with differing opinions. Except maybe Sead Kolasinac… he’s a tank.

However, I do believe the Nigeria international when he sings Wenger’s praises. The boss brought him from the academy, through the ranks and into the Gunners’ first team. The 21-year-old has now made 45 Premier League appearances since 2015/16.

alex iwobi nigeria v zambia
Nigeria’s Alex Iwobi (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifying football match between Nigeria and Zambia in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on October 7, 2017. (PIUS UTOMI EKPEI/AFP/Getty Images)

The winger’s also been capped 14 times for his country and scored four goals, including the winner against Zambia, which sent the Super Eagles through to the World Cup next year.

If it wasn’t for Wenger, Iwobi probably wouldn’t have been given the opportunity to do all this. And he knows it. Which is why I imagine that Iwobi might have Wenger’s back more than most.

Other players, such as Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas, also had their careers built by the Frenchman. Although it would have been nice if they’d returned this faith by staying with the man who made them. Hopefully Iwobi doesn’t go down the same road.