Alex Iwobi Fires Zambia Warning with Arsenal Goal against Brighton

Super Eagles’ forward, Alex Iwobi, sent a clear message to his national team with an impressive performance as he scored his first English Premier League goal for Arsenal this season in their 2-0 victory over Brighton at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Iwobi, who had been nursing a muscle strain, proved his fitness by finishing off a clever backheeled assist from Alexis Sanchez in the 56th minute, sealing the victory for the Gunners after Nacho Monreal had shot them into the lead in the 16th minute.

The victory extended Arsenal’s unbeaten streak to seven matches in all competitions, including four consecutive wins. Arsene Wenger’s team has been on the rise lately, and this win also marked a significant milestone for the French manager, as he secured a victory against his 45th different opponent in the Premier League, surpassing the record he had shared with Sir Alex Ferguson.

Despite Brighton’s strong start and neat passing, Arsenal had their moments early in the match, with Alexandre Lacazette hitting the post in the second minute. Sanchez was unable to capitalize on the rebound, and Brighton’s Solly March also hit the post later in the first half after a short free-kick.

Arsenal took the lead after 16 minutes following a goalmouth scramble. Granit Xhaka’s free-kick was nodded back by Lacazette, and although Shane Duffy cleared Shkodran Mustafi’s shot off the line, Monreal slotted home the rebound for his second Premier League goal since 2013.

Brighton’s goalkeeper, Matt Ryan, made a brilliant save with his foot to deny Aaron Ramsey, while Lewis Dunk and March cleared shots off the line before Iwobi sealed the victory with his 56th-minute strike.

Iwobi had been a doubt for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Zambia, but his impressive performance against Brighton suggests that he is ready to return to action for Nigeria, having missed the fixtures against Cameroon in early September due to injury.