Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi expressed his relief after scoring the winning goal in Fulham’s victory over Hull City.
The Nigerian midfielder struck in the 33rd minute to secure a crucial win for Álvaro Arbeloa’s side. The result also marked the manager’s first Premier League victory in charge of Fulham.
Speaking to the club’s television channel after the match, Iwobi said the team had worked hard in recent weeks and deserved the reward.
“Yeah, it was a long time coming and we worked hard in the previous six games and it’s nice to get rewarded eventually, but yeah, we had to work hard. We’ve had a lot of opportunities to probably make the game easier, but the bonuses that we kept a clean sheet and we got the three points.”
Despite their earlier struggles to turn performances into results, Iwobi believes Fulham can build on the victory and improve their position in the Premier League.
Iwobi urges Fulham to build on winning momentum
The midfielder said the players and coaching staff had remained united despite results failing to reflect their performances.
“Yeah, of course. I mean we feel like we’ve been performing well even though the results speak otherwise. So, the manager, the players have been speaking among ourselves just to keep going and hopefully the luck will go our way and today it started and we just need to kick on and use this momentum to continue for the rest of the season.”
Iwobi also praised Fulham’s response after their previous defeat. He said the team studied their strengths and weaknesses before facing Hull and delivered a convincing performance.
“Yeah, of course. I mean, that’s one way to react to our home in front of our fans and no better way than to like I said kick on our our journey in the in the season. But um, yeah, we didn’t put our heads down. We analyzed our strengths and weaknesses from the last game and obviously analyze how where we can hurt them and in my opinion it was a convincing performance today.”
However, Iwobi admitted Fulham should have scored more goals after creating several clear chances. The midfielder also accepted responsibility for missing a major opportunity.
“Yeah, I mean criticism for me as well. I had another opportunity, but yeah, we create so many chances and it’s some people are talking about as long as we’re able to still um create those opportunities, um I’m sure the games to come we’ll be able to score more, but yeah, if we’re able to keep clean sheets like today against the team that’re very direct, then it gives us a chance to win games as well.”
Reflecting on his missed chance, the Nigerian said he was frustrated after watching the incident again. He also praised Gon for creating the opportunity.
“Yeah, I’m I was fuming. I’ve watched it back like twice now and yeah, I’ve maybe it was a bit too relaxed, but credit to Gon for setting me and having that composure. Maybe I just need that extra composure to put it in the in the bottom corner.”
Iwobi, however, made no mistake when he scored the decisive goal. He explained that he aimed for the corner after receiving the ball from Sanders, although he felt the goalkeeper might have done better.
“Yeah, of course, I mean through there was a lot of bodies there when um Sanders laid the ball back to me. I just thought let me try and aim for the corner and the keeper was a bit blindside as well. So he was maybe he should have done better, but um I don’t mind as long as they’re going. I’ll still celebrate the goal as if it was a five yard screamer. So, yeah, I’m just grateful they went in.”
With Fulham now looking to climb the Premier League table, Iwobi urged his team mates to carry their confidence into the next game. He acknowledged that the upcoming challenge would not be easy but believes the team can maintain its progress.
“Yeah, like I said, the momentum try and use it, keep going and use this as confidence into the next game. I mean, we know commentary and easy opponent, but I’m sure if we give the same application we had for the rest of the the start of the season, then I’m sure we can kick on again.”
Iwobi also delivered an impressive individual performance against Hull. He played the full 90 minutes, created two big chances and completed 60 of his 65 passes.
The midfielder recorded 85 touches, made five recoveries and attempted five shots. He also covered 12.1 kilometres as Fulham secured a valuable victory.
