Arsenal
Premier League • England
Ex-Arsenal man reveals which former teammate is ‘a joke’ in training after making title prediction
Former Arsenal midfielder Alex Iwobi has made his Premier League title prediction and also revealed which former Gunners teammate is ‘a joke’ in training.
The Nigeria international spent more than a decade at The Emirates, starting off as an academy starlet before eventually becoming a first-team regular in north London.
In total, Iwobi made 149 appearances for the club, winning an FA Cup before eventually moving to Everton back in 2019.
But despite moving to Merseyside almost four years ago, Iwobi still keeps a close eye on events at his old club and on player in particular – Reiss Nelson.
The 23-year-old England Under-21 international came up through the ranks with Iwobi, who admits to being impressed with the impact his old teammate has made when called upon this season.
Nelson scored a crucial injury-time winner in the 3-2 comeback victory over Bournemouth earlier this month – a result which could end up being pivotal in the Premier League title race.
“He’s another Arsenal product,” Iwobi said of Nelson on The Beautiful Game podcast. “He’s another one who is a joke in training.
“With him like, he just has that raw ability. I have to give it to him because he’s had to be patient. But every time he’s come on to play, he’s delivered.
“I think he’s been the most impactful sub at Arsenal this season. For someone to be able to do that and not play regularly and still have that elite mindset, I have to rate it.”
Playing regularly has become an issue for Nelson, however, as we revealed recently that numerous Premier League clubs are monitoring his situation.
Iwobi fancies Gunners to hold on for title
Arsenal are currently eight points clear of nearest rivals Manchester City in the title race, with the Premier League returning this weekend.
And when asked if Mikel Arteta can secure the club their first title since 2004, Iwobi replied: “Yeah, I believe so. And I want them to, to be fair.”
The Gunners face Leeds at home on Saturday, although City could close the gap to five points if they beat Liverpool in the lunchtime kick-off.
As for Iwobi’s Everton, they host Tottenham at Goodison Park on Monday night looking for three points to pull away from the relegation zone.