Five observations from Iwobi's performance in Everton's loss to Gundogan-inspired Man City 

Everton's relegation fears were exacerbated on Sunday evening with the emphatic 3-0 win of Manchester City over the Merseysiders ,with Ilkay Gundogan  involved in all the goals netted by Pep Guardiola's team.

 

Gundogan got on the scoresheet twice sandwiched in between a goal from Erling Haaland.

 

Nigeria international Alex Iwobi was in action throughout the duration of 90 minutes for Everton. 

 

The win not only derailed Everton's Premier League status but also hurt Arsenal's chances of usurping the current league champions. 

 

These are the observations from All Nigeria Soccer on the performance of the Super Eagles forward cum midfielder. 

1. Early pressure 

 

The Nigerian played somewhat as a support striker for Everton within the first minutes of the game. 

 

The Super Eagles star ran goalward as he almost gained from a long punt from goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in the 4th minute. 

 

Two minutes later, Iwobi almost profited from a sloppy piece of defending as he joined the attack to hound down the City defence. 

 

2. Defensive shift 

 

After City's second goal by Erling Haaland, Iwobi was more withdrawn by helping more in the defensive aspects of the game. 

 

The former Arsenal winger made one clearance, made no block and tackle in the game. 

3. Central option

 

Iwobi had to come infield and play centrally with almost an hour played after Idrissa Gueye was subbed off and Andre Amadou Onana came off the substitutes bench in the second half.

 

The team's ball retention improved significantly as well. 

4. Attacking impetus 

 

Iwobi was fouled towards the end of the game, by Phil Foden. 

 

Aside his early runs in the match especially in the first half, Iwobi was not a ball carrier that overly troubled the City defenders. 

 

That responsibility fell to box-to-box midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure

5. Passing and crossing 

 

Iwobi made one accurate cross and had 43 touches of the ball overall with a passing accuracy of 84.4 percent. It was not one of his best games for the Toffees but one that was still decent. 

              

 

Izuchukwu Michael
 

 

Photo Credit : evertonfc.com 

 

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