Fans should not be too critical Of Iwobi's handball against Arsenal

The English Premier League came to a nerve-wracking end yesterday with Pep Guardiola's juggernaut team crowned as the champions of England once again.

This triumph makes it their fourth Premier League title in just five years and this is certainly a monumental achievement for the Spanish tactician.

Elsewhere, Arsenal lost the battle for the top four positions and subsequently, a place in the prestigious UEFA Champions League competition after a five-year absence despite putting Everton  to the sword with a thumping 5-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium.

During the game, one key moment turned the tide as Everton defended stoutly for the first 25 minutes of the first half.

While the referee initially waved a play-on, VAR (video assistant referee) called for a re-check on Nigerian winger Alex Iwobi's handball.

The penalty was given and Gabriel Martinelli made no mistake from twelve yards out.

Understandably, there have been criticisms of Alex Iwobi for the handball that swung the tie in favour of Arsenal, some sections of the Arsenal fanbase were reportedly heard chanting Alex Iwobi, he plays for Arsenal" in the Stadium.

However, fans should not be too critical of the Nigerian due to the following reason.

After Alex Iwobi's sale to Everton  for 35 million pounds, he was out of form for a long time and he looked like a shadow of the mesmerising forward/midfielder that wowed the Emirates Stadium faithful.

This season under Rafael Benitez, there was just a minimal improvement to his game as Everton headed for relegation.

With the appointment of Chelsea legendary midfielder Frank Lampard as the manager, Alex Iwobi was completely transformed after he was utilised as a wing-back.

He helped the club get vital wins over Crystal Palace, Chelsea and Leicester City.

These wins helped Everton avoid relegation and he should be praised for the key role he played.

It should also be remembered that Alex Iwobi is not a full-back and doesn't understand most of the defending basics attributed to being an elite full-back. As such, little errors such as this should be expected.

It is not yet known if Alex Iwobi would be fully transitioned into a full-back in the future or if he would be returned to the attack.

Whichever it is, he should be praised for the hard work he put in to ensure his club stays in the Premier League.

Sofoluwe Mayowa

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