Alex Iwobi impresses as Everton maintain excellent start to the EPL season

The Nigerian midfielder was lively for the twenty minutes he was on the pitch to help the Toffees see out a fine win over the Seagulls

Super Eagles playmaker Alex Iwobi was a 70th-minute substitute as Everton kept up their early season form with an excellent 2-0 victory over Brighton &Hive Albion at the American Express Community Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

By the time Iwobi was introduced for Dominic Calvert-Lewin midway through the second period, Rafael Benitez’s men were already two goals to the goods.

Former Leicester City star Demarai Gray broke the deadlock four minutes before halftime before Calvert-Lewin crashed home a penalty just before the hour mark.

Still, Iwobi was undaunted as he seemed keen to help the visitors extend their lead with his enterprising play.

Barely five minutes after his introduction, the former Arsenal carved open the home side’s defence with a sumptuous through ball, but Brazilian forward Richarlison blew away the wonderful chance, missing the target from close range when it appeared easier to find the net.

Iwobi remained undaunted, and in the 83rd minute, he was close to scoring himself. The Nigerian international showed great skill to dribble past a couple of opposing defenders but was denied a goal after seeing his shot blocked.

It is a performance that would have pleased manager Benitez and a sizeable section of the Everton faithful. Iwobi has played his part in the Toffees’ unbeaten start to the season, grabbing his first goal of the campaign in his side’s Carabao Cup triumph over Huddersfield Town recently.