Sunderland boss keen for Lens to shine again

“Since I was a young boy I have always wanted to put on my shirt with Iwobi on my back with the Emirates screaming my name”, Iwobi told Arsenal’s Final Whistle.

“We love this competition and the fans love this competition so we need to try and do our best”.

But teenage midfielder Alex Iwobi was handed a rare start and the Nigerian made the most of the opportunity.

“I’ve played a lot of games in the lower leagues and the Championship with Preston, so I’m getting older and maturing every time I play”.

Sunderland took an early lead at the Emirates against Arsenal through Jeremain Lens but were pegged back by Joel Campbell, Aaron Ramsey and Oliver Giroud.

“But I believe that the next step is to get (Tomas) Rosicky back, (Danny) Welbeck back, (Alexis) Sanchez back, (Jack) Wilshere back and maybe we will get one player in”.

Perhaps those behind the scenes will go for broke and afford Allardyce the funds to carve out a squad worthy of Premier League survival.

The ref who once used to send off more players than any other is so afraid of making a mistake that he simply doesn’t make any decisions any more.

10 – Manchester United have now gone 10 first halves at Old Trafford without scoring in all competitions.

“It was nice. It’s been my dream to play for Sunderland in front of those fans”.

Arsenal, Premier League leaders, visit Liverpool on Wednesday, but Wenger resisted the temptation to rest all his first-choice picks, as Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp did in his side’s 2-2 draw at Exeter City on Friday.

Most of us knew he was good but I don’t think any of us expected him to be quite at the level we saw on Saturday afternoon. Hopefully he can improve on what we’ve seen today. I’m thankful that they took me, I came back and there’s nothing better than to go and play.

“I am interested in the welfare of players, which is at great risk at this stage of the season and you have seen it with the amount of injuries that have occurred at this time”.