Nigerian players abroad: Iwobi helpless against brutal Arsenal; Aribo’s return ends in Cup-set

Iwobi was instrumental when Everton defeated Arsenal in February, but he was unable to repeat the same performance 

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi saw 90 minutes of action, but he could not stop his Everton side from suffering a 4-0 thumping at the Emirates Stadium.

The Toffees were looking to return to winning ways after losing 2-0 to Aston Villa over the weekend. However, they had to beat Arsenal to achieve their aim.

Everton boss Sean Dyche named Nigeria midfielder Iwobi in his starting eleven. The Super Eagles star has been instrumental for the Toffees this season, and he was expected to deliver the goods again against his former club.

Unfortunately, it did not go as planned. After 40 solid minutes, Everton fell apart in the final minutes of the first half. Goals from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli gave Arsenal the lead in the last five minutes of the first half.

The Toffees tried to salvage something from the second half. Iwobi had 42 touches, two dribbles, and won three of his duels. But he could not stop his side from getting run over. Second-half goals from Martin Odegaard and Martinelli sealed the 4-0 win for the Gunners.

Meanwhile, in the FA Cup, Joe Aribo played his first game for Southampton in two weeks. But he could not do much in his 24 minutes of action, as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to League Two side Grimsby Town.

Nigeria striker Paul Onuachu was rested for the Saints’ FA Cup tie against Grimsby Town, but Aribo returned to the squad after missing the previous fixture against Leeds United.

Southampton dominated the fixture, recording 22 shots, but only three were on target. However, Grimsby were proficient on the night. They registered four attempts, two of which resulted in goals courtesy of Gavan Holohan.

The result effectively knocked out Southampton from the FA Cup.