Alex Iwobi has given credit to Unai Emery for helping him feel more confident on the pitch this season.
The Nigerian international’s development appeared to have plateaued to an extent, but under the tutelage of the Spaniard he’s feeling better able to cope with setbacks during games, and more physically ready to contribute.
Although he didn’t score or make an assist in the 3-1 win over Leicester on Monday night, he played a key role in what was an excellent second half for the Gunners, and afterwards took time to thank the Arsenal head coach.
“Yeah, it’s going well, I’m very confident now,” he said. “The manager is always being very positive to me, he’s always telling me to keep on going even if I make a mistake.
“That’s what I’m showing, and also proving to myself that I can put in 100 per cent throughout the game, and that’s why I’m shattered right now!”
And playing his part in another victory was pleasing, but Iwobi is urging his teammates to add to that run.
On winning ten in a row, he continued, “It’s good, let’s try and make it 11. That’s what we want to do, and I’m sure the fans do too.
“We can’t just dwell on it, let’s keep on going and better ourselves.”
See how Arseblog News readers rated Iwobi, and leave your own ratings on Arsenal 3-1 Leicester player ratings.
Watching Iwobi glide purposefully on the pitch, passing with purpose and intent, nutmegging players like an artisan baker… This, to me, epitomises Emeryball. Still a lot of work to be done mind you.
There’s a special bond that exists between fans and academy graduates. They are one of us and love the club like us. Its so satisfying seeing the obvious improvements from him and Hector. Hoping Niles will be in the fray soon to make it a hattrick of academy boys in the first team
And yes. I count Hector as ours. He’s developing right in-front of our eyes
Well they got a lot of stick last season from all sides. Iwobi was one of those that were not spared at all. That does a lot to destroy confidence.
Loving Iwobi’s improvement this season. Bellerin too. Keep it up lads!
Our very own Naija boy.
For sure!
Iwobi is a player transformed. He always had the skills, but Emery has found the key to unlock his potential.
Still young, he could well grow into an Arsenal legend!
Iwobi-Wan
For the first half hour (ish) of the Leicester game I was critical of Iwobi- he was trying hard but it seemed the rewards weren’t coming from his high risk style of play.
Then he showed me just how wrong I was with some real drive and skill
Two nutmegs in one match. Enough said.
Nutmegs are good but what is really important is consistency throughout the game at both ends of the pitch. And Iwobi has developed a lot on that front!
… and nutmegs.
I think that we can credit Emery for more than Alex’s improvement…
I’ve watched the third goal about 500 times now and if you want to enjoy it even more, look at Iwobi’s run 😉
Lovely to see a home-grown talent come into his own. May it continue.
Iwobi is the man on fire. Keep nutmegging them, Lad.
I could never understand the opprobium tossed at IwobI and Bellerive last season.
Clearly talented players that were not given enough instructions from Wenger.
Not surprised many players are blooming under Emery’s direction.
Particularly young players who need the added help.
Worth remembering before you slate players like Mustafi or Xhaka.
Too many fans adopt a simplistic view of things and amplify the bad points in certain favorite scapegoats without acknowledging the good parts of their game.
Then they end up all surprise about improvements. .
Load of bollocks, too many fans take an over complicated view.
Attacking players must be judged on the effect they have on the team scoring goals, primarily goals and assists and defensive player on their ability on helping the team keep clean sheets.
The modern over analysis and seeing things that aren’t there is ridiculous
It is slightly odd to come to a place specifically for thinking about football and then take an anti-thinking position. Would you rather we just said the word “football” over and over again?
There’s thinking, then there’s overthinking and seeing meaning in unimportant aspects of the game.
And i don’t think Arseblog is a place for thinking about football, it’s a forum for talking and chatting about Arsenal, an individual football club, which has many aspects of interest beyond just football.
If football was as simple as you make it sound Alan Pardew would have won the league by now.
i thought we have a sport psychologist inhouse to drill positive thoughts into the players all these years?