Alex Iwobi reaffirmed his qualities in attack for Arsenal as the Gunners thumped Premier League strugglers Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium. It was simply a question of seeing the game out when the Nigerian’s first shot on target of the game deflected in off Jack Cork for an own goal to make it 2-0.
Arsene Wenger’s side were rampant and after a drab first half where they failed to get out of first gear other than Olivier Giroud’s prodded finish, the handbrake came off in the second as they comprehensively turned over a disappointing Swans team. Despite the scoreline, Swansea were by no means out of the game until Arsenal scored their second goal, with Paul Clement’s side showing glimpses of their attacking qualities in the first half.
Iwobi’s selection ahead of the in-form Lucas Perez surprised many when the teams were announced an hour before kick-off. Spanish forward Perez, who has a goal/assist every 67 minutes this season, produced another sublime performance in the FA Cup comeback at Preston a week previous – but Wenger’s decision to play 20-year-old Iwobi proved the right one as his marauding, direct runs down the left hand side produced two important goals for Arsenal in their convincing victory in Wales.
