ALEX Iwobi became the Nigerian player with the most appearances in English Premier League history tonight as his Fulham side lost 1-0 at home to Arsenal.
The Super Eagles midfielder has now appeared in 299 Premier League matches, surpassing Shola Ameobi’s previous record of 298.
The 29-year-old Iwobi was in Fulham’s starting line-up at Craven Cottage today, chalking up his eighth appearance in the Premier League this term, with one goal and two assists.
The Nigeria international’s landmark was not on a winning note as Leandro Trossard struck in the second half to earn Arsenal the three points that took them back to the top of the table.
Iwobi has spent all his senior career in the Premier League, starting out at Arsenal in 2015 before switching to Everton and then Fulham, where he has been since 2019.
Trossard’s second-half goal was enough for Arsenal to overcome Iwobi and his stubborn Fulham colleagues, as the Gunners moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League.
It was the home side who started brighter and they went close through Harry Wilson and Josh King, who had an effort tipped over the bar by David Raya.
Arsenal grew into the game and Riccardo Calafiori had an excellently worked goal ruled out for offside.
The Gunners started the second half with more intensity and pinned Fulham back for large parts.
That pressure told in the 58th minute when centre-back Gabriel flicked on a Bukayo Saka corner and Trossard was well positioned to fire home from close range at the back post.
Saka thought he had won a penalty to give Arsenal the chance to double their lead, but the decision was overturned by the video assistant referee (VAR).
The victory means Arsenal have gone three points clear of second-placed Manchester City – who were top for a couple of hours on Saturday after beating Everton – with Liverpool four behind in third.
Iwobi’s Super Eagles teammate Calvin Bassey was a late substitute while Samuel Chukwueze was out due to an injury.