Arsenal Boss Explains Motive Behind Introducing Iwobi After Half-Time Vs Crystal Palace

Published: April 21, 2019

Arsenal manager, Unai Emery has explained that his motives behind bringing on Alex Iwobi when they chase deficits just as he did on Sunday afternoon in their 3-2 defeat to Crystal Palace was because he makes them a better team upfront.

Christian Benteke and Wilfried Zaha scored for Palace and while Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang replied for the Gunners, James McArthur's header sealed an unlikely victory that ended Arsenal's 10-match winning league run at home – and threw a spanner in the works in their bid to finish in the league's top-four.

Iwobi was thrown on for defender, Mavropanos after halftime as his side pushed to get back on level terms and Emery has explained the motive behind introducing the 22-year-old was give them a better shape upfront though McArthur's goal killed off the game.

"The second goal gave them confidence to continue and beat us. Our second goal gave us opportunity", Emery told BBC's Match of the Day.

"They were very good tactically and were organised defensively. In the set pieces they gave us a problem.

"We brought on Alex Iwobi and we were better but their second goal was very bad for us and took away our confidence.

"We had fresh players and energy but in front we had a very good team. To finish in the top four is in our hands."

Arsenal travel to the Molineux Stadium on Wednesday when they face Wolverhampton Wanderers as they look to make up for the lost points.

Emmanuel Chinaza

Photo Credit : arsenal.com