Alex Iwobi suffered a cruel twist of fate as West Ham United profited from his mistake in the build up to their winner at the London Stadium.
Pablo Fornals took advantage of his error to release Michail Antonio and start the move that ended up with Jarrod Bowen slotting home. It was an unfortunate setback for a player who had sent Goodison Park wild as recently as the club’s last Premier League fixture.
It was a shame for Iwobi, whose industrious performance saw him press well as he was given a rare opportunity higher up the pitch. The 25-year-old’s pride over his 99th minute winner against Newcastle was clear as he recalled it in press interviews last week.
He said: “It was crazy, the scenes were amazing. I wish I could describe it but in the moment it was one of those feelings you wish never disappears. The main thing for us is we want to have that atmosphere all of the time so we need to keep working to make sure there are many more feelings like that.”
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It was a landmark moment for a player who has struggled for consistency during his time at Everton and a goal that - if the club stays up - will be looked back upon as one of the most important of the season. Iwobi appeared aware that his full potential has not been unlocked and there was room for “improvement”, but hopeful the goal would provide a platform for success.
He said: “At the moment I feel like I'm on a high, I feel like I've done well since Frank has come in so far. Obviously the results haven't been there to match but I'm feeling in a good place and a good head space and hopefully it continues but turns into getting results for the team like the game against Newcastle.”
Opportunities to play in his favoured positions have been at a premium, but he is hopeful of being involved more centrally: “I like to drift into midfield and get involved - not really out wide. If I'm told to stay out wide for the team that's what I've been doing under the numerous managers we've had. But wherever I'm told to play I'll try to do my best to impact the team, whether that's starting or coming off the bench, I'm always ready.”
He was given a chance in a more natural, attacking role on Sunday but it was there that he received the ball on the turn from Michael Keane and, failing to control it, saw it break to Fornals. That his mistake was punished so ruthlessly was harsh given his wider performance.
Speaking before the game, as much as his joy at the Newcastle goal was clear, he appeared well aware that, while special, it was an experience he could not dwell on as Everton attempt to stay clear of the drop. He said: “The thing about football is it happens so quick - it's now in the past. We have to focus on what is ahead of us at the moment. I'm hoping to have more of those feelings. ”
For a player who displays such wider awareness about the game, and who was responsible for such an incredible moment as recently as the club’s last league game, his involvement in Bowen’s goal therefore felt particularly cruel. Blues will be hoping his brilliance against Newcastle lives longer in the memory than his unfortunate experience on Sunday and, like Iwobi himself, that he can provide more moments like that magical stoppage time winner.
