Everton take on Fulham in the Premier League this weekend, meaning a meeting with former Toffees ace Alex Iwobi.
Everton drew 1-1 with Sunderland on Monday night to take the current run of form to one win in seven Premier League games.
Iliman Ndiaye’s stunning opener appeared to set Everton on the path to victory, but Granit Xhaka bagged the equaliser for Sunderland.
Everton’s lack of attacking threat after Thierno Barry’s miss was a major source of frustration for Moyes and supporters.
The attention now turns to this weekend’s home clash with Fulham, as Everton look to get back to winning ways at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton FC v Fulham FC - Premier League
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One man who would love to inspire a Fulham win over Everton is midfielder Alex Iwobi.
Everton signed Iwobi from Arsenal back in 2019, but he didn’t quite live up to his billing at Goodison Park.
Now set for a first visit to Hill Dickinson Stadium, Iwobi has told The Daily Express (03/11, Fever Pitch pullout, page 12) that he has good memories from his time at Goodison Park.
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Iwobi felt that the time was right to leave Everton, and he now wants to create new memories against the Toffees.
The Fulham star noted that it’s always ’special’ to face a former club, but he just wants to crown his first visit to Hill Dickinson Stadium with a win.
“In life, sometimes you have to move on,” said Iwobi.
“I have some good memories of Goodison Park, but now I am looking to create new memories playing against them, and hopefully we can get a win.
“It always feels special to face a former team, but I will look to treat it like any other team. I try to treat all opponents the same way,” he added.
How Alex Iwobi has made himself a star after leaving Everton
Iwobi’s move to Everton was supposed to give him a starring first-team role after being in and out of the Arsenal side.
The Nigeria international scored just six Premier League goals in 123 games and never broke past two league goals in any Everton campaign.
Ultimately, Iwobi’s move to Merseyside didn’t quite work out as anybody planned.
Iwobi left Everton for Fulham in 2023, and he has been exceptional ever since.
Playing under Marco Silva, his former Everton boss, Iwobi has racked up 15 goals in just 78 Premier League games for Fulham.
Iwobi averaged around one goal every 20 games for Everton, compared to around one in five for Fulham.
That marked improvement will frustrate Everton fans, but perhaps being back in London has helped Iwobi settle in and unlock his full potential at Craven Cottage.
Silva has praised Iwobi’s versatility, but also believes that he is now taking on more responsibility, having become a more experienced leader.
“First, he is a really versatile player that can play in many, many positions, he can do many roles. I know where he’s capable, where he feels that he can perform better,” said Silva on Fulham’s official website in 2024.
“He likes to be around in the middle of the pitch, and coming from the left he is really strong, too. Now he’s playing more on the right, where he’s capable to perform like he showed [against Crystal Palace], with a different role.
“I like that he’s taking more responsibility on his back, sometimes the players need this responsibility. He’s helping the team and he’s performing. He’s in a happy place right now, and I’m really pleased to have him with us,” he added.
Iwobi appears to be thriving with that increased responsibility and has not let his Everton struggles hold him back from starring in the Premier League.