Exclusive: Iwobi wasn’t at fault for Chelsea’s first goal v Everton – Campbell
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Kevin Campbell doesn’t believe Alex Iwobi was at fault for Chelsea’s first goal on Monday night as Everton lost 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.
Ben Godfrey steered Kai Havertz’s shot into his own net in the first half against Chelsea after Iwobi failed to close down the onrushing Marcos Alonso.
Some criticism was levelled at the winger for his failure to cut out the Chelsea attack in its early stages though Campbell claims Iwobi needed more help from his defence.
When asked if Iwobi was at fault for the goal, Campbell told Goodison News, “Actually no, I’ll be honest with you.
“I was doing the game and I thought it was a good battle down that side. In a game, the opposition wing-back is going to get away from you once or twice.
“The problem was when he [Alonso] got away, there wasn’t anyone to pick up the slack. Iwobi isn’t part of the back four and he does track back but Alsono’s movement is very good.
“Unfortunately, Iwobi gets caught in two minds with Hudson-Odoi and Alonso both coming at him.
“He’s not a defender so little things like that will catch out an attacker but the defence has to cover for him.”
Though Iwobi has been utilised as a wing-back at times this season his defending has always left a lot to be desired.
That’s not his fault.
He’s spent his career as an attacker so defending won’t come naturally to him which is why Alonso had him on toast earlier this week.
We will be boosted by the returning Seamus Coleman against Burnley on Saturday which means Iwobi may not be handed a start.
We’re stronger with Coleman in the side and Iwobi may have to settle for a place on the bench if Carlo Ancelotti continues with a two-man attack of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison.
In other Everton news, the Blues have been handed a major injury boost with Yerry Mina having been spotted back in training.