Iwobi goal gives Fulham victory as McManaman highlights deflection

Alex Iwobi’s first Premier League goal of the season secured Fulham a 1-0 win over Hull City, with Liverpool legend Steve McManaman saying a slight deflection contributed to the decisive strike.

The Nigeria international broke the deadlock during the first half at Craven Cottage, shooting from outside the penalty area. His effort appeared to take a minor deflection before slipping through the arms of Hull’s Greek goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis.

The goal was enough to give former Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa his first Premier League victory as Fulham manager.

Reviewing the finish on Premier League Productions, McManaman said the change in the ball’s path made it difficult for Tzolakis to prevent it from reaching the net.

“Yeah, it is good to see. Alvaro Arbeloa may get his first win. Slight deflection from Iwobi’s shot on the goal,” McManaman said, as monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com.

“From this angle you think yes but it just gets a little deflection to score. Goalkeeper unable to dive over to his near post.”

The strike was Iwobi’s first in the Premier League this campaign and took his total in the competition to 36 goals in 327 appearances.

It also moved the former Arsenal midfielder level with former West Bromwich Albion striker Peter Odemwingie in the rankings for Nigerian players with the most Premier League goals. The pair are joint-sixth on the list.

Iwobi remains behind five other Nigerians: Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Nwankwo Kanu, Efan Ekoku, Shola Ameobi and former Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho.