Alex Iwobi has reflected on one of the most defining moments of his career—his remarkable goal in the 2019 UEFA Europa League final against Chelsea. The Nigerian midfielder, then playing for Arsenal, described the occasion as bittersweet, as his side ultimately lost the match, but his stunning strike remains a significant career highlight.
A Disappointing Start but a Determined Mindset
Arsenal’s journey to the Europa League final took them to the Baku Olympic Stadium in Azerbaijan on May 29, 2019. The long travel distance was a challenge, and for Iwobi, the match held extra significance as he had hoped to start.
Speaking on Fulham Fix Podcast Episode 32, Iwobi revealed his initial disappointment when then-manager Unai Emery decided against including him in the starting lineup. “I thought I was going to start, but Unai Emery said no, we are going to go with this team. I was a bit disappointed, but I just said if I get the opportunity to come on, I have to prove why I should have started.”
The Europa League Final: A Tough Challenge for Arsenal
The highly anticipated final between Arsenal and Chelsea started as a balanced contest, with both teams failing to break the deadlock in the first half. However, Chelsea took charge of the match in the second half.
- Former Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud opened the scoring for Chelsea in the 49th minute.
- Pedro doubled Chelsea’s advantage in the 60th minute.
- Eden Hazard extended Chelsea’s lead from the penalty spot in the 65th minute, giving the Blues a commanding 3-0 lead.
At 3-0 down, Arsenal’s hopes of a comeback looked bleak, but Iwobi was introduced into the match in the 66th minute.
Iwobi’s Stunning Goal: A Moment of Brilliance
Just three minutes after coming on, Iwobi made an instant impact. A loose ball fell perfectly for him at the edge of the box, and with great technique, he unleashed a powerful right-footed volley that found the back of the net. His spectacular strike gave Arsenal a glimmer of hope.
“Unfortunately, we lost to Chelsea, but I was able to get the goal, which obviously is one of my best memories in my career,” Iwobi recalled. “You never know what’s written in the stars, but I was pleased to get a goal.”
The goal made history, as Iwobi became the first Nigerian player to score in a major European club final, an achievement that remains a source of pride for him and Nigerian football fans.
Chelsea’s Dominance and Arsenal’s Disappointment
Despite Iwobi’s best efforts, Arsenal’s hopes of a comeback were short-lived. Just six minutes after his goal, Eden Hazard struck again in the 72nd minute, sealing Chelsea’s 4-1 victory.
For Arsenal, the loss was a significant setback, as it meant they missed out on Champions League qualification for the following season. The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, but for Iwobi, the night still held personal significance.
A Farewell Goal for Arsenal
Iwobi’s goal against Chelsea was not just a memorable moment in his career—it was also his final goal for Arsenal. Later that summer, he left the club to join Everton in a deal worth around £35 million. His departure marked the end of his time with the Gunners, where he had progressed through the academy ranks and established himself as a key player.
Life After Arsenal: A New Chapter
Since leaving Arsenal, Iwobi has continued to play in the Premier League. After spending four seasons at Everton, he made a move to Fulham in 2023, where he has become a key figure in their squad. His reflections on the Europa League final highlight both the disappointment of not starting and the pride of making a lasting impact on one of the biggest stages in European football.
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Conclusion
While Arsenal fell short in the 2019 Europa League final, Alex Iwobi’s stunning goal remains a career-defining moment. It showcased his resilience, ability to seize opportunities, and technical brilliance. Though the Gunners were unable to lift the trophy that night, Iwobi’s strike is remembered as one of the great individual highlights in the history of Nigerian footballers on the European stage.
