By Nurudeen Obalola
Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi put up a strong performance for Fulham on Sunday as they secured a 1-1 draw with his former club Arsenal at Craven Cottage in the English Premier League.
Also on Sunday, Nigeria midfielder Wilfred Ndidi was as usual in the starting line-up as Leicester City came from 2-0 down at home to draw 2-2 with Brighton.
Iwobi, along with his international teammate Calvin Bassey, was impressive against the title-chasing Gunners as Fulham took the lead before Arsenal fought back in the second half and even missed victory by inches.
Raul Jimenez shot Fulham into the lead in the 11th minute from a breakaway move, hitting a low shot across David Raya in the Arsenal goal.
Arsenal were back level seven minutes after the break, William Saliba tapping home from Kai Havertz’s header, their third straight goal from a corner kick, following the two against Manchester United in midweek.
The Gunners thought they had snatched all three points two minutes from time when Bukayo Saka fired home from close range at the far post.
However, a Video Assistant Referee review found Gabriel Martinelli offside before delivering the close, and the goal was chalked off, leaving Arsenal second in the table six points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand, and Fulham 10th.
At the King Power Stadium, Ndidi played for 52 minutes as Tariq Lamptey and Yankuba Minteh gave Brighton a 2-0 lead.
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side however responded late to earn a dramatic draw, veteran Jamie Vardy pulling one back in the 86th minute and then setting up Bobby Decordova-Reid for the equaliser one minute into stoppage time.
With the result, Leicester City moved five points clear of the relegation zone, while Brighton are seventh, three points off fourth spot.
In the other Premier League fixture on Sunday afternoon, Bournemouth came from a goal down to win 2-1 at Ipswich.
