Iwobi scores to help Fulham win for the first time

Alex Iwobi scored a goal on Saturday that tied him with Peter Odemwingie as Nigeria’s top Premier League scorers. This goal also gave Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa his first win, a 1-0 victory over Hull City at Craven Cottage, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

Iwobi found the net in the 33rd minute during the 100th match between the two clubs in all competitions. Hull struggled to clear the ball twice, and Sander Berge passed it to Iwobi at the edge of the box.

His low shot deflected off Lucas Herrington and slipped under goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis, who might have been expected to do better. This goal was Iwobi’s first in the league this season and ended a frustrating start for him. Before this match, he had created 13 chances in six league games, more than any other Fulham player, but had not scored or assisted. His total now stands at 36 goals in 327 Premier League matches.

That puts him joint-sixth among Nigerian scorers, equal with Odemwingie. The match featured three Super Eagles players. Calvin Bassey captained Fulham and played the entire match alongside Iwobi. Semi Ajayi also played the full game for Hull in defense. Bassey has been a regular starter under Arbeloa, while Ajayi has scored once for Hull this season.

This win marked Fulham’s first of the season after six league games without a victory. They moved to five points and climbed off the bottom of the table, leaving the relegation zone. Arbeloa replaced Marco Silva in July and had only managed two points from his first six matches. Reports before this game suggested he had only two matches left to improve results following the 2-1 loss to Ipswich Town on October 10, so this win reduced the pressure on him.

Hull had a strong start to the season with a win over Manchester United on the opening day and a draw at Chelsea but struggled in this match. Mohamed Belloumi missed a good chance by shooting wide of the post in the second half, which was probably their best effort. They started the day in eighth place but ended up ninth.

Fulham finished the match with 10 men after Ryan Sessegnon was shown a red card in added time for a dangerous tackle on Robinio Vaz’s calf. Liverpool legend Steve McManaman commented on the goal, saying, “Yeah, it is good to see Alvaro Arbeloa get his first win. Slight deflection from Iwobi’s shot on the goal.

“From this angle, you think yes, but it just gets a little deflection to score. The goalkeeper was unable to dive over to his near post.” Iwobi now ranks behind Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Nwankwo Kanu, Efan Ekoku, Shola Ameobi, and Kelechi Iheanacho on the all-time Nigerian goalscorers list.