Alex Iwobi makes his case to start ahead of Aaron Ramsey as Arsenal rebirth under Unai Emery continues

Iwobi was instrumental in Saturday's win over Watford.
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James Benge29 September 2018

Alex Iwobi is making the most of his second chance to make a first impression on an Arsenal manager - and indeed the Emirates supporters.

The Nigerian international looked lost in Arsene Wenger’s final season at the club, unable to influence games and unsure what his role was.

Under Emery Iwobi already looks reborn, the perfect complimentary part to his big name team-mates as he proved to be when he first broke into the side early in 2016.

His relatively lowly status means for now he has had to settle for a supporting role in the Premier League but it feels inevitable that will change sooner rather than later.

In Pictures | Arsenal vs Watford | 29/09/18

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Iwobi’s critics - and even team-mates and Wenger - have invariably pointed to the lack of impact he makes on the scoresheet but even that is changing this season. Whether Arsenal’s opener goes to Craig Cathcart or Alexandre Lacazette an assist ought to go to the No.17, who was similarly influential in Mesut Ozil’s second.

The contrast with the player he replaced was dramatic. Aaron Ramsey’s presence in the starting XI forces Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang into roles they suit poorly. Iwobi’s versatility allows him to slot in wherever suits his team-mates, who improved beyond measure after his introduction.

Iwobi’s swift improvements have been noted by his manager.

“He works hard every day,” Emery told Standard Sport. “Three weeks ago he was out of the team for two weeks with an injury.

“I’m very happy with him and his mentality. He has the quality to play right or left, to do more one-on-ones against the opposition.

“I want him to stay nearer the box to score and be more aggressive, finding assists for team-mates. This is the way for him and other players.”

This was not the first time this season Emery’s substitutes changed the course of the game for him and as he comes to an understanding of what his Arsenal squad can do it seems fair to chalk that up as astute tactical management rather than picking the wrong XI in the first place.

Certainly it was wise of Emery to withdraw Ramsey, whose talent has never been in doubt but who continues to look like a poor fit alongside his team-mates.

At the end of a week in which it emerged Arsenal have withdrawn their offer of a new deal to Ramsey, now set to depart either in January or on a free when his contract expires at the end of the season, it was perhaps understandable that the 27-year-old took the decision to withdraw him after 63 minutes with such disappointment.

Ramsey looked crestfallen as he took his seat among the substitutes. Emery said of his reaction: “I want team spirit, competitive spirit.

“When the player wants to play every moment and help the team I want that. This character helps the team.”

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