“They were sharper than us” – Super Eagles star gives his verdict on Jesus-inspired Arsenal win over Everton

The Toffees lost their first preseason game to a well-oiled Gunners side, but their Nigerian import sees a lot of positives to pick from the encounter

Nigerian midfielder Alex Iwobi has reacted to Everton’s 2-0 defeat to Arsenal in the early hours of Sunday.

Watched by nearly 40,000 spectators at the M&T Bank Stadium, the home of NFL side Baltimore Ravens, the Gunners romped to victory courtesy of two first-half goals.

Gabriel Jesus, a £45 million buy from Manchester City, opened the scoring in the 33rd minute before supplying the assist for Bukayo Saka to net the second three minutes later.

Iwobi did not start the encounter but was introduced at the break as one of 11 changes made by manager Frank Lampard.

Everton could not muster a comeback despite improving significantly in the second half, with Iwobi lively down the right flank.

But Iwobi believed the Toffees did well against a side playing their third game of the preseason.

“It was good,” the former Arsenal man told Evertontv. “Obviously, I played in the second half, and I feel like we managed to put a bit more pressure on them – we had a couple of chances and opportunities, but, overall, I think everyone did well.

“At the end of the day, it was our first game, and it was their third so they were going to be a tad sharper than us.

“We had a lot of work to do and we can take the positives from this game.

“There were opportunities for some of the young lads as well. Everyone is trying to impress, but there’s a lot more work to do.”

More work to do – Iwobi

Everton endured a difficult 2021-22 season, escaping relegation by the finest of margins.

Iwobi is convinced Lampard and his coaching crew are still the best group to lead the Merseysiders to an improved showing next term.

“It was a very tough season – mentally and physically. This is a fresh start. We go again, a new start, a new season.

“The manager can implement the ideas that he wants with us, rather than just trying to win games by any means.

“It’s pre-season and he’s going to experiment and explore the players we have. We have time to work on that and we have a lot of trust in him, so we’re feeling good and confident that we will do well this season.

“In my short time back – I’ve only been back for a week – but they’ve got a lot of ideas.

“The main thing for them, before they focus too much on the ideas, is making sure that we’re fit and ready to do what they expect us to do. So far, so good, but the work continues.”

Iwobi featured in 28 Premier League matches, scoring two goals and providing two assists. The 26-year-old played a crucial role in helping Everton avoid the drop to the Championship.