Iwobi hoping for ‘consistency’ after last-gasp win

Iwobi hoping for ‘consistency’ after last-gasp win

Alex Iwobi says consistency on a personal and collective level will now be the focus after notching a 99th-minute winner to secure a vital 1-0 win over Newcastle United on Thursday.

The Blues – controversially reduced to 10 men after VAR Stuart Attwell had intervened to amend an on-field decision and change Allan’s yellow card to red – displayed the level of commitment and battling spirit that inherently underpin unforgettable nights at Goodison Park.

And while Iwobi’s clinical late strike deservedly grabbed the headlines, the Nigeria international put in the hard yards, too.

His total sprint distance of 381 metres was the most of any Everton player – and he topped the charts in both halves for number of sprints. Iwobi’s total ‘high-speed running’ distance of 778 metres, meanwhile, was also above his own average for the season.

Everton’s attention now switches to the Emirates FA Cup, knowing a win against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park would secure a place in the semi-finals of the competition – and a first trip to Wembley in nearly six years.

Starting with that clash against Patrick Vieira’s in-form side, Iwobi says the Blues must replicate the kind of display they produced to overcome Newcastle.

“The main thing for us is to remain consistent now,” he continued.

“That’s the main thing for me, too. I want to help the team get goals and assists.

“The manager has been great with me. He said we’re going to need everyone so I knew my time would come and I had to be ready.

“I’ve taken onboard everything he said and just give 100 per cent in training and also in matches. Whenever he gives me opportunities, I try to repay the faith.

“We know it’s not going to be easy against Palace next, but we’re trying to get to Wembley, so we’ll give it everything.”