Alex Iwobi was supposedly caught on video partying into the early hours of the morning the night before the FA Cup loss to Nottingham Forest, but was still selected to start the match, as well as starting last night’s draw with Chelsea.
The Nigerian international appears to be Wenger’s latest pet, having broken into the first-team squad with a number of impressive displays, but so far this season he has failed to find the same vein of form.
Iwobi’s struggles have not stopped him from keeping his place ahead of both Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck, and those players must be furious that the former academy product has started the recent matches despite the situation over his head.
“For a youngster to come into a club like Arsenal, and thinks he is OK to go out less than 48 hours before a game, it says there is something wrong in the dressing room,” Wright said on Sky Sports’ The Debate.
“You can’t have a player thinking he can do that and still play again (against Chelsea). What message does that send?
“In the current climate with Arsenal going through what they are, experienced players wanting to leave, no leadership, for that to happen.”
Dennis Wise also agreed that the situation is completely out of order, and could cause unrest in the dressing room.
“If I was one of those players on the bench, knowing what he had done, I would be upset. It doesn’t send the right message,” he added.
“Sanchez and Walcott are on the bench. Is it because they are going or for a tactical part? I would have put either of them in front of Iwobi.”
He continued: “Mourinho wouldn’t have that and I don’t think a United player would do it.
“When we were playing, you didn’t read about players doing that. Sir Alex Ferguson went to people’s houses and threw players out for having a party.
“It’s just something you don’t do.”
Has Wenger lost control? Is Iwobi getting away with murder? Could the squad be affected by the on-going situation?
Pat J