Arsenal: Alex Iwobi should make the best of Danny Welbeck’s absence

Despite a tactical masterclass against Chelsea on Sunday, Arsenal suffered a loss and a horrid one at that. Danny Welbeck had to be replaced and is now out for at least four weeks but could this be Alex Iwobi’s opportunity?

The opening period of the season saw Danny Welbeck start games for Arsenal and slowly get back into his groove. On Sunday, however, other than the fact that Arsene Wenger put up a defensive masterclass and the midfield gelled together well, it was the performance of Alex Iwobi that surprised many.

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With the creative genius of Mesut Ozil absent with a possible knee injury, it only meant that Alexis Sanchez was to start alongside Alexandre Lacazette and Welbeck. But Wenger had other ideas and on walked Iwobi, instead of the Chilean. Many were shocked and abused Wenger’s lack of tactical sense to not play Sanchez. But, somehow, it worked.

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Iwobi played well. He wasn’t quite at his very best, (coming off a rather intense match against FC Koln), but there were promising signs throughout. He played out wide, to the right of Lacazette, and linked up brilliantly with Hector Bellerin, providing a few delightful passes himself, and was very effective in the system that Wenger deployed.

The Super Eagles youngster has just made his way back into the first team after a period of bad form as he struggled to play consistent football. This led to him being dropped, towards the end of February, but if things go his way, he could yet be on his way back. According to reports, Welbeck could be out for at least a month and miss at the minimum six Arsenal games, after he limped off against Chelsea.

This could be an opportunity for Iwobi, that’s if he can make the most of it. The Nigerian has vast potential, with many even comparing him to a raw combination of Ozil and his uncle, Jay-Jay Okocha. But if Iwobi can return to the player he was during his initial foray into the team, then things would be that much easier for him.

When the 21-year-old burst onto the scene, he was brilliant and confident and showed maturity beyond his years. His ability and willingness to attack defenses, his guts and vision to create chances, and even his dribbling skills were outstanding.

However, given his loss of form in the second half of last season, many forget the potential and talent that lie within. While he may never make magic like the way his uncle once did for Bolton, the youngster can certainly come pretty damn close. It is infuriating, though, when he makes stupid mistakes and loses the ball. But if he can buck his ideas up, this could be the opportunity he’s been waiting for to re-establish himself in the first team.

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Admittedly, the question remains, can he make this chance count? Only time will tell. But the next few weeks and matches are crucial for Iwobi and his development. Chances like this don’t come around too often, especially in football.