Arsène Wenger has a happy man on Sunday after his side kicked off 2017 in style with a 2-0 victory against Crystal Palace.
The Arsenal boss faced the press afterwards, and much of the conversation understandably centred on Olivier Giroud’s scorpion kick goal.
However, Wenger was also keen to single out Alex Iwobi for praise after his goal and also discussed the side’s overall performance in a central midfield in place of Mesut Ozil, who missed out due to a chest infection.
“I believe he is always available, quick in his movement, wants the ball, can hold people off. People forget he’s 20 years old. I think he had a very good game – on top of that, now he starts to score goals.
“His quality of pass, of availability, is exceptional for a young boy. He lacked a bit of quality of [receptiveness] in dangerous areas and I hope that these goals he scores now will give him the taste as well to go where he can finish it off.
“There are always signs when a guy starts to score goals in training that they’ll come in games, and he has that. Now in training he starts to score goals. I’m sure he will score as well in the games”.
