Adrian Durham slams Alex Iwobi after Everton lose 1-0 to West Ham
Adrian Durham has taken aim at Everton attacker Alex Iwobi over his performance in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to West Ham.
Iwobi, 25, returned from injury to start against the Irons at Goodison Park with the Blues still shorn of the services of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison.
However, the Nigeria international endured a frustrating afternoon before he was substituted for Anthony Gordon in the 79th minute, the only change Rafa Benitez made.
Speaking on talkSPORT’s Monday ‘Drive’ show [18/10/21], Durham suggests Iwobi is falling short of the standards expected of him at Everton.
“Iwobi fluffed a couple of them [chances],” Durham said.
“Listen, for a player that cost £36m, and my understanding is he’s on a fair wedge, he’s got to put chances like that away.
“When you get the chance to start for Everton Football Club and you’re presented with opportunities like that and you’re producing an air shot, you’ve got to focus and concentrate harder and make sure you get a contact on the ball, and at least force the goalkeeper to make a save.”
Clock’s ticking…
Iwobi is surely beginning to run out of chances at Everton.
Since his big-money move from Arsenal in 2018, the Lagos-born attacker has flattered to deceive on Merseyside.
He has scored just five goals in 74 appearances for the Blues, and is yet to nail down a regular position in the side.
With Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray impressing in attack since their summer switches, Iwobi is falling further behind in the pecking order.
Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison are still to come back into the side, and Iwobi could find it difficult to force his way back in after Sunday’s display.
In other Everton news, the Blues have made contact over this striker that Pep Guardiola called ‘Incredible’, and a January transfer is on the cards.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on Everton and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.