Former Gunner picks surprising Arsenal moment as career highlight | OneFootball

Former Gunner Alex Iwobi has been reflecting on the 2019 Europa League final this week, admitting he was disappointed not to start but his goal is a career highlight.

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Former Arsenal academy graduate Alex Iwobi has been looking back on some of his career highlights this week, and he gave some insight into his involvement in the 2019 Europa League final between the Gunners and Chelsea.

The 28-year-old started by admitting that he was hoping to start the match, and he was a little dismayed when Unai Emery didn’t pick him.

“I thought I was going to start but Unai Emery said no, we are going to go with this team. I was a bit disappointed, but I just said if I get the opportunity to come on, I have to prove why I should have started,” Iwobi said (via All Nigeria Soccer).

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Iwobi did get his opportunity to impress later in the game, coming on for the final 23 minutes with Arsenal already 3-0 down. The substitute made an immediate impact, scoring an excellent volley after just two minutes on the pitch.

It wasn’t enough to get Arsenal a result, with Chelsea confirming their victory with another goal three minutes later. Not a good day for the team, but Iwobi can still look back fondly on his contribution.

“Unfortunately we lost to Chelsea but I was able to get the goal which obviously is one of my best memories in my career,” Iwobi said.

“You never know what’s written in the stars but I was pleased to get a goal.”

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Iwobi did win some silverware with Arsenal, lifting the 2016/17 FA Cup ahead of Chelsea as well as two Community Shields. But he had to settle for runner-up medals in the 2017/18 League Cup and the 2018/19 Europa League.

The Fulham winger also finished as a runner-up with Nigeria in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

Fulham still have a shot at trophy success this season, reaching the fifth round of the FA Cup. Marco Silva’s side face Manchester United, one of just two big-six sides remaining in the competition, so a win would give them a great shot at going all the way.