'I should have started' - Iwobi reveals goal against Chelsea in UEL final one of his career highlights

 Alex Iwobi has opened up about his memorable goal in the 2019 UEFA Europa League final against Chelsea, describing it as one of the most significant moments of his career. 

The Nigerian midfielder, who was playing for Arsenal at the time, admitted he was disappointed not to start the match but was determined to make an impact when given the chance.

"We played in Baku, it was so far to get there, it was a long journey," Iwobi said in an interview with Fulham Fix Podcast Episode 32. 

"I thought I was going to start but Unai Emery said no, we are going to go with this team. I was a bit disappointed, but I just said if I get the opportunity to come on, I have to prove why I should have started."

Arsenal faced Chelsea in the final at the Baku Olympic Stadium in Azerbaijan on May 29, 2019. 

After a goalless first half, Chelsea took control of the game in the second half. 

Former Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud opened the scoring in the 49th minute before Pedro doubled the Blues' lead on the hour mark. 

A penalty from Eden Hazard in the 65th minute put Chelsea in a commanding 3-0 lead.

Iwobi was brought on in the 66th minute, and just three minutes later, he made an immediate impact. 

The Nigerian midfielder latched onto a loose ball at the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful right-footed volley into the net, pulling a goal back for Arsenal. 

It was a stunning strike that momentarily gave the Gunners hope of a comeback.

"Unfortunately we lost to Chelsea but I was able to get the goal which obviously is one of my best memories in my career," Iwobi said. 

"You never know what's written in the stars but I was pleased to get a goal."

However, Chelsea quickly extinguished any hopes of an Arsenal revival when Hazard scored his second goal of the match in the 72nd minute, securing a 4-1 victory for the Blues. 

The defeat meant that Arsenal missed out on Champions League qualification for the following season, a significant blow for the club.

Despite the loss, Iwobi's goal was a historic moment. It made him the first Nigerian player to score in a major European club final, a feat that remains a source of pride for him and Nigerian football fans. 

Additionally, it was his last goal for Arsenal, as he left the club later that summer to join Everton in a deal worth around £35 million.

Since then, Iwobi has continued his career in the Premier League. After four seasons at Everton, he made a move to Fulham in 2023, where he has established himself as a key player. 

His reflections on the Europa League final highlight both the disappointment of not starting and the pride he felt in making a memorable contribution on one of the biggest stages in European club football.

While Arsenal fell short that night in Baku, Iwobi's goal remains a cherished moment in his career—one that showcased his talent, resilience, and ability to seize an opportunity when it mattered most.

Wale Adejumo

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