Over the past few months throughout social media there have been accusations of racism when discussing if Iwobi is good enough to play for Arsenal. It seems we live in a society where there is more you can’t say then can. When Sterling rightfully challenged the media at the end of 2018, I heard a fascinating debate about could some people be subconsciously racist?
The example given is why did English fans always give Sterling the lowest rating at the World Cup? Why did we focus so much on his performance over the other 22 men in the squad? That is a similar point of view now among some Gooners, are we extra harsh on Iwobi because the colour of his skin? Is it where he comes from the reason why some cannot understand how he gets picked ahead of Ozil?
We have a passionate fan base from Africa who rightfully are proud to see a Nigerian follow his dream. But in 2019 to not keep the debate strictly on football I think is a disgrace. I do not think any man or women should be accused of such a crime unless it’s proven. To play that card just to hide the players flaws is an insult to those who genuinely are suffering discrimination.
It’s got to the point where I see or hear people afraid to rate the winger out of fear of being accused of picking on him. Or worse, the times he provides an assist, we must talk about it like he’s proven his doubters wrong.
The History of Arsenal is filled with talent from all diverse races and nationalities. Legends to wear the red and white are not put into a criterion of nation, height, hair colour, etc, but by the memories they leave behind.
Since breaking through our academy can you name in the comments a big match performance where Iwobi has delivered? When has he changed a big game to show he has the mentality for this level? If anything, a casual fan knows him for being on the front page of a tabloids for partying the night before a cup tie. The reason the likes of me talk so much about Iwobi’s lack of final ball is he’s currently being preferred over Ozil and Ramsey.
What separates good players to the great, is making the most of your chance to prove your doubters wrong, not going missing. Unai Emery has done him no favours by playing 2 DMs in front of a back 5. It puts all the pressure on just one creative midfielder to provide the spark. I understand he’s still young, but he’s played enough for us to notice his positives and negatives. He gets the ball, carries it, beats defenders but his final pass is usually poor and his shooting is wild. Which for a player on the wing is what your qualities should be based on?
Iwobi’s record since his league debut …… ….And Ozil
2015/16 played 13, goals 2, assists, 2. Played 35, goals 6, assists 19
2016/17 played 26, goals 3, assists 3. Played 33, goals 8, assists 9
2017/18 played 26, goals 3, assists 5. Played 26 goals 4, assists 8
This season played 19, goals 2, assists 4 Played 13, 3 goals, assists 1
So, if our manager is picking Iwobi over Ozil for tactical reasons and we play like we did at the weekend, we have a right to criticise the player as well as the coach. Every season one has always contributed to double figures, the other has yet too. Provide those kinds of arguments, keep it football related.
Dan Smith