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Arsene Wenger explains decision to start this Arsenal youngster in vital Barcelona clash
ARSENE WENGER has explained his decision to start Alex Iwobi in Wednesday's 3-1 defeat to Barcelona.
Alex Iwobi started against Barcelona at the Nou Camp
The Gunners travelled to the Nou Camp for the Champions League last-16 second leg needing a win following their 2-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium.
And many were shocked to see 19-year-old Iwobi start in attack, with the likes of Theo Walcott, Joel Campbell and Olivier Giroud all on the bench.
“I personally rate him, to throw him in a game like I did on Wednesday shows I believe in his qualities," Wenger said of the young Nigeria international.
The Gunners manager added: “I’m a bit cautious because I don’t want to make stars who have played two games but he has a big talent.”
Arsene Wenger has high hopes for Arsenal youngster Alex Iwobi
Everton v Arsenal - Premier League match preview
The Frenchman - whose side have lost five of their last seven games - also took positives from the Barca defeat, adding: “The fact we were very dynamic, fluid, mobile.
"We had 20 shots on goal, 12 on target. Our performance was positive. We just want to continue to play with the same passion and pride.”
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