Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-1 in the League Cup semi-final on Wednesday night, but fans were unhappy with Alex Iwobi’s performance.
Despite the win, Iwobi still managed to rub some supporters up the wrong way. The criticism mostly focused on one or two key moments in the match.
Towards the end of the game, Mesut Özil found some space, and played the 21-year-old in on goal. Unfortunately, the Nigerian international put his shot straight at the keeper.
The Gunners didn’t need the goal in the end, as they held on for a 2-1 win. But I’d imagine a lot of fans had flashbacks to Özil’s miss against Watford, and Arsenal’s collapse afterwards.
It’s not a risk you want to take in a semi-final, and some fans lost it a bit with Iwobi as a result:
I’m so fucking done with Iwobi’s finishing.
Man can never hit it right. Never.
— WH (@Wilshoholic) January 24, 2018
Alex Iwobi is a championship footballer
— Woz (@wozthegooner) January 24, 2018
Another fan pointed out how Iwobi looks a bit like a square peg in a round hole. It’s clear he’s talented, but often doesn’t seem to click with the team:
Watching Alex Iwobi play football is like eating soup with a fork. Just about Manageable but approaching it the completely wrong way
— Gunnervision (@Gunner_vision) January 24, 2018
For the record, I didn’t think the winger was as bad as some fans are making out. He should’ve scored that chance, and that’s what people will remember.
Defensively Iwobi was fantastic, though. He made five tackles, one clearance and two interceptions despite playing as a forward.
Victor Moses had no luck offensively all match, and that was largely thanks to the Arsenal academy graduate. I think that’s worth keeping in mind before we all send him off to the Championship.