Chelsea legend explains why Arsenal manager dropped Alex Iwobi

Tony Cascarino believes Arsene Wenger opted to drop Alex Iwobi for Arsenal’s 1-1 draw at Manchester United after the midfielder’s disappointing performance in the north London derby.

The Gunners boss handed Wales international Aaron Ramsey a starting spot for the Premier League clash at Old Trafford as Arsenal looked to hoist themselves to the top of the Premier League.

However, the north London side were subdued against Jose Mourinho’s men as substitute Olivier Giroud netted a late equaliser to cancel Juan Mata’s opener in the bitter clash.

Iwobi was an unused substitute at Old Trafford despite the Nigeria international’s eye-catching performances in the Arsenal team in the Premier League and the Champions League this season.

Former Chelsea striker Cascarino believes Wenger decided to leave Iwobi out of his Arsenal starting line-up after the African playmaker struggled against Tottenham before the international break.

“I think the Tottenham performance where Arsene Wenger felt he might take him out of the firing line. He had a difficult game. It didn’t quite happen for him. That’s probably why he didn’t play,” Cascarino told The Game podcast.

The 20-year-old has made three assists in nine Premier League appearances in the 2016-17 season so far.

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The Gunners will host Bournemouth at The Emirates in their next top-flight fixture on Sunday afternoon.