BBC pundit: Everton star was 'magnificent' despite failing 32% of his pass attempts

Match of the Day pundit Ian Wright has hailed the performance of Everton winger Alex Iwobi during the important victory over Manchester United. 

Despite recent struggles, encapsulated by an error leading to a goal against West Ham recently, Toffees boss Frank Lampard opted to retain the 25-year-old in the starting lineup for the crunch clash at Goodison Park.

That faith was repaid as the ex-Arsenal man played his part in a 1-0 win to move the Blues four points clear of the Premier League relegation zone.

Iwobi made one key pass, two interceptions and ended with an overall passing accuracy of 21/31 (68%) as Lampard’s charges battled their way through (Sofascore).

Although the statistics were underwhelming, Iwobi’s work rate impressed Wright.

Speaking on Saturday night’s BBC broadcast of Match of the Day, the ex-Arsenal star was full of praise for the man signed for £40million (Goal).

“Alex Iwobi. He was magnificent, and he’s somebody that no matter how he’s playing – even when he played against West Ham and made a mistake – he does not stop trying to get on the ball, to be progressive.

“It was his work rate today. This is the kind of performance you want to see from somebody at home. The Everton fans want to see [it] because if they’re going to get themselves out of this predicament, it’s this kind of work rate.”

Whilst a mixture of individual errors and ill-discipline repeatedly cost Everton in recent weeks, there has also been a distinct lack of willingness to compete when the going gets tough – as underpinned in the 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Crystal Palace.

Iwobi’s energy was indicative of an all-around improved display from the Toffees against a star-studded Manchester United side who themselves harbour ambitions