Nigeria’s in-form winger Alex Iwobi was named in the starting lineup by Unai Emery for the second time in a row following his exploits in Thursday’s Europa League victory over Qarabag.
The £15m-rated left-winger took Mesut Ozil’s place in Emery’s first eleven as the German international is currently out of action due to back injury.
Though the Nigerian struggled in the opening 10 minutes of the game which took place at the Craven Cottage, Iwobi improves on his performance as the game continues.
He was influential in the build-up to Alexandre Lacazzette’s opening goal which gave the Gunners their deserved lead.
Iwobi was lively at the left flank of attack, almost all the Gunners attacking moves were made through him.
However, the Gunners failed to keep a clean sheet as former Chelsea and Wolfsburg attacker Andre Schurrle scored in the first half to restore parity to the home side.
Lacazzette was able to put the North London club ahead for the second time in the clash when he scored his brace for the night.
Iwobi’s electrifying display was met with a great chant from the Gunners fans, who couldn’t help but praise the young star as they shout ” Alex Iwobi” during the game.
Despite his brilliant showings, Unai Emery substituted the nimble-footed star in the 66th minute as want-away midfielder Aaron Ramsey was introduced in his place.
With two minutes into the game, Aaron Ramsey’s presence was immediately felt as he scored a great goal to put the encounter far beyond the Cottagers reach.
Fellow second half substitute Pierre-Emerick Aubameyamg scored a brace to round up the scoreline.
In Premier League’s history, no club has ever produced two different goalscorers from the substitute bench in one game — a feat that was achieved by the Gunners against the new Premier League club.