Alex Iwobi drags Everton out of relegation zone

Alex Iwobi set up the winner to help Everton to a 1-0 win over Leeds (Action Plus

PREMIER LEAGUE Alex Iwobi drags Everton out of relegation zone

Joba Ogunwale 18:07 - 18.02.2023

The Super Eagles star combined with Seamus Coleman to help the Toffees to a 1-0 win over Leeds United.

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi provided the only goal as Everton beat Leeds United 1-0 in their Premier League clash at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon. 

Everton went into the game knowing they needed to win the relegation six-pointer after losing 2-0 to Liverpool in Monday’s Merseyside derby. 

Iwobi and Everton apply the pressure

The Toffees had given Sean Dyche a promising start with a win over Arsenal in his first match as Everton’s manager before suffering a reality check against Liverpool. 

Nonetheless, his side went into the game against Leeds with full belief as they were at home. Iwobi played the full duration of the encounter on the flanks. 

Iwobi netted his seventh assist of the season

The Nigeria international had a solid game, with two accurate crosses, four long balls and three key passes, including the assist. 

The game kicked off with a tribute to Christian Atsu, whose tragic passing was confirmed by his agent today. 

Everton started the game at a high intensity, with Andre Onana firing the first shot. However, the Belgium international could not hit the target. 

Moments later, Onana once again came close as he arrived in the box, but he could not keep a cross from Idrissa Gueye down. 

https://twitter.com/Everton/status/1626971852223422464

Everton continued to press and should have taken the lead in the 33rd minute, but Conor Coady and Neil Maupay were denied in quick succession by the crossbar following a corner from Dwight McNeil. 

Iwobi and Coleman combine to rescue Everton

The Toffees were unable to find the opener in the first half but they resumed the second half with the same intent. McNeil and Maupay went close to scoring the opener, but again, they could not hit the target. 

However, Everton’s pressure finally paid off in the 64th minute as Iwobi found Seamus Coleman with a delightful long ball to fire home from the unlikeliest of angles. 

The goal sent Goodison Park into ecstasy as it kept up Everton’s hopes of staying up alive. Dyche’s men held on to the win despite Leeds’ late pressure in added time. 

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The result changed the fortunes of both sides as Everton moved up to 16th place with 21 points from 23 games while Leeds dropped into the relegation zone with 19 points from the same number of games. 

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