Alex Iwobi featured for the first time since the start of April during a substitute appearance against Sunderland.

In a commanding 2-0 home victory over the already-relegated Black Cats, Iwobi added fresh attacking impetus and it was no coincidence that soon after the youngster’s arrival, Arsenal broke the deadlock and scored a quick-fire double.

The versatile attacker, 21, suffered a frustrating dip in his performances before being dropped to the substitutes’ bench for an extended period of time.

Jay-Jay Okocha’s recent comments suggest the Lagos-born winger is keen to impress after a period of inconsistency mixed with harsh criticism by supporters, but he was honest when speaking to the media post-match.

“I guess I had a little impact but it’s [about] the team. We upped the tempo, we were able to get the two goals and able to get the result we needed,” Iwobi told Arsenal.com.

“The tempo was very high, I haven’t played in a while so you can see I’m blowing, I’m tired! But it was a great match to be involved in and the result we needed is what we got – we just need to keep fighting for top four.”

Fighting is a common phrase that has been regularly used by Arsenal players in recent weeks as they’ve maintained a fairly decent run since the 3-0 away defeat at Crystal Palace – only losing one in seven (all comps) since then. Iwobi was left frustrated and understandably so, but his spell out of the time has evidently helped him.

“I need to work hard, create more goals and score more,” he continued.

“I’ve been trying to do that in training and hopefully get back in the team. So I’ve just been patient. The main thing is we’re getting the three points, we’re winning games, so as long as the team is winning, that’s my main concern.“