By Daily Sports Nigeria on December 5, 2024

Super Eagle Alex Iwobi has emerged as Fulham’s most influential attacking force this season, leading the team’s goal contributions chart with six involvements – three goals and three assists in 13 Premier League appearances, as they prepare to host Brighton & Hove Albion at Craven Cottage on Thursday (today).

The Nigeria international reached a significant milestone in his last home game, netting his 25th Premier League goal in Fulham’s 4-1 defeat to Wolves at Craven Cottage, before following up with another crucial contribution by providing his third assist of the campaign in the subsequent 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.

Marco Silva’s side salvaged that point against Spurs in North London last weekend in a match that ended in eventful fashion for captain Tom Cairney, who was sent off late in the game. Silva was left frustrated after the match, insisting his Fulham side “deserved to win.”

The £22m summer signing from Everton sits joint-second in Fulham’s scoring charts alongside Emile Smith Rowe and Harry Wilson, with all three having netted three times.

Mexican striker Raúl Jiménez leads the way with four goals in 13 appearances, while Andreas Pereira, Adama Traoré, Rodrigo Muniz, Reiss Nelson and Cairney have each contributed one goal.

In the creative department, Iwobi’s three assists put him level with left-back Antonee Robinson, with only Spanish winger Adama Traoré having created more goals (four) for the Cottagers this term.

Smith Rowe and Jiménez have registered two assists each, while goalkeeper Bernd Leno, Kenny Tete, Rodrigo Muniz and Reiss Nelson have one apiece. This places Iwobi and Jimenez as the joint-leaders in goal contributions for the Cottagers with the Mexican also on six.

The Cottagers, who have slipped to 10th in the Premier League table, will be hoping Iwobi can maintain his impressive form when they face Brighton. Fulham have enjoyed facing the Seagulls in the Premier League, winning four and drawing four of their last eight meetings in the top flight, including their last encounter in March which ended in a 3-0 victory at Craven Cottage.

Notable players yet to open their scoring accounts include defensive stalwarts Calvin Bassey and Robinson, who have featured in all 13 matches. Summer signings Sander Berge and Sasa Lukic are also searching for their first goals, having made 10 and nine appearances respectively.

Since making his Premier League debut for Arsenal in 2015, Iwobi has consistently proven his quality across 265 league appearances. The midfielder netted 11 times for the Gunners before adding six more during his stint with Everton. His spell at Fulham has been particularly productive, with eight goals already registered in his first two seasons.

The 28-year-old’s versatility has made him an indispensable asset in Silva’s setup, excelling in various midfield roles while maintaining his attacking output. His 25 Premier League goals place him eighth among Nigerian goalscorers in the competition’s history, trailing Victor Anichebe (27) but still some distance from record-holder Yakubu Aiyegbeni’s impressive haul of 95 goals.

While the likes of Wilson (three goals in nine games) and Smith Rowe (three goals in 13 appearances) have matched Iwobi’s scoring record, neither has matched his creative output. Traoré, despite leading the assist charts with four, has only managed one goal in his 12 appearances.

The statistics highlight Iwobi’s dual threat as both scorer and creator, making him the standout performer in Fulham’s attack this season. His consistency and ability to influence games have been crucial for the Cottagers, who will be looking to climb the Premier League table in the coming weeks, starting with Thursday’s clash against fourth-placed Brighton.

With several players yet to make significant attacking contributions, including new signing Timothy Castagne, Fulham will be hoping their Nigerian talisman can maintain his impressive form while others look to increase their offensive output as they aim to improve their midweek record, having won just one of their last six league games played on either Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.

Source Punch Ng

Posted December 5, 2024

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