Andros Townsend has told The Final Word that Everton teammate Alex Iwobi was “devastated” to have given the ball away for Manchester United’s winner on Sunday evening – a goal that saw Cristiano Ronaldo score his 700th club goal.
Iwobi had put Everton ahead. The Nigeria international has been moulded by Frank Lampard into a midfielder this season, and the ex-Arsenal man opened the scoring with the goal of the game – curling an effort into the top corner.
But Manchester United equalised soon after. A mistake from Idrissa Gana Gueye saw Antony profit. Then, Iwobi tries to go round Casemiro – who tackles him and slides the ball into Ronaldo. The superstar made it 2-1 to Erik ten Hag’s side.
Speaking on The Final Word with Michael Owen, Everton winger Townsend shared how Iwobi was “devastated” after the game. He also described watching Ronaldo net his 700th goal, a winner against Everton, as “heartbreaking”.
“So clinical. Alex was devastated after the match, giving away the ball and conceding a goal. It was an unbelievable ball from Casemiro and for Ronaldo, so clinical, on his weaker left foot as well, it was heartbreaking to watch.”
Townsend: Everton teammate Iwobi devastated on Sunday evening
While Iwobi was excellent for much of the match, it was a poor decision to try and go round Casemiro. One of the best holding midfielders in world football. However, he hardly lost the ball in a bad area, trying to make something happen.
Unfortunately for Iwobi, Casemiro’s pass was as good as Ronaldo’s movement – peeling off the centre-backs. As Townsend says, it was utterly clinical from United. A superb goal, combined with speed of thought and experience.
The Real Madrid connection between the two United players won ten Hag that game. While Iwobi did lose the ball, it was hardly his fault that United immediately capitalised. Everton, and Iwobi, should take a lot of heart from the game.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
