Manager Arsene Wenger had nothing but praise for Alex Iwobi after he scored his first goal in an Arsenal shirt against Everton on Saturday afternoon.

The Nigeria international, who was handed his first-ever Premier League start by the Frenchman, struck in the 42nd minute as the Gunners secured a 2-0 victory over the Toffees.

“He’s an intelligent boy who loves football. He’s very passionate about the game and keen to learn. Very hungry as well,”Wenger told reporters.

“I took him in training at the beginning of pre-season and I liked what he did.

“After that he improved very quickly with the first team and months after months he developed very well, and that’s why I integrated him and played him.”

Iwobi will head to Kaduna this weekend to link up with his international teammates ahead of the African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Egypt.

Igho Kingsley