Ipswich Town manager Gary O'Neil was pleased to see Chuba Akpom score against his former club Arsenal despite the Tractor Boys suffering a 4-2 defeat in the Carabao Cup third round.
Akpom has fond memories of his time at Arsenal, where he spent 16 years rising through the ranks of the club's academy before making his Premier League debut against Sunderland in September 2013.
The Hale End Academy graduate was named in 30 matchday squads during his time with the Gunners, making 12 appearances across all competitions.
In Tuesday's Carabao Cup clash, Akpom was introduced from the bench at Portman Road around the hour mark and made an impact by scoring Ipswich's second goal in stoppage time.
After falling four goals behind, the Tractor Boys pulled another goal back when Akpom turned sharply inside the penalty area before finding the bottom corner with his finish.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, O'Neil revealed that the Nigerian was disappointed not to have been handed a starting role against his former club.
"He was really disappointed that he wasn't the one to start tonight. It was a tough choice between him and Flemming," O'Neil told reporters
"For him to come off the bench again and get another goal, he's looked a threat when he's come on. He's a handful; he backs in well.
"He understands the role. Like I've said, all three number nines are going to be really important to us.
"I'm pleased for him to score a goal against his old club, to get a goal to make the game look closer to what it should have looked like as well.
"I thought the score was harsh up till that point, so it was an important goal. And it puts him in another good moment.
"He goes to Everton off the back of knowing that he's still in goalscoring form, that he's a threat, and he's sharp. I'm really pleased with Chuba when he came on."
Akpom is quickly establishing himself as a reliable super-sub, having also scored in stoppage time during Ipswich Town's 5-2 defeat to Manchester United in the Premier League.
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