Arsenal manager Unai Emery has defended his selection of Alex Iwobi despite the Nigerian coming under criticism for some of his performances for the Gunners.
The 22-year-old has divided opinion among Arsenal fans with some calling for him to be dropped from the team’s starting line-up.
However, ahead of their home clash against Bournemouth on Wednesday night, Emery reiterated Iwobi’s importance to his side saying: “When I ask Nacho Monreal or Sead Kolasinac the player they want to play with on the left, they say to me ‘Iwobi can open up space and we can do the overlap’.
“I think Iwobi is giving a lot for us and he is important for our future. He has to continue to improve, he knows this.
“I am looking for each match for him to score because he is already giving us a lot.”
The Spaniard believes “positive energy” at home will be crucial as the North London side push for a top-four finish.
“We need our supporters,” he said. “Tomorrow we are going to play at home and these three points are very important.
“I hope the supporters help the players and create a big atmosphere at home. Create a positive energy to make us stronger.”
Arsenal currently sit fourth on the table with 53 points and a win against The Cherries will take them to just four points behind third-placed Tottenham who are away to Chelsea.