Alex Iwobi believes another five-goal performance underlines “the confidence and quality” flowing through the Everton squad after their 5-2 Carabao Cup third-round victory at Fleetwood Town.
The Blues booked a last-16 clash against West Ham United at Goodison Park next week courtesy of Richarlison’s first-half double and goals after the break from Iwobi, Bernard and substitute Moise Kean.
Everton have now hit the back of the net 14 times from their four matches in 2020/21 following their success by the same scoreline against West Brom on Saturday.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti made six changes to his team for the tie at League One Fleetwood and the starters took their chance to catch the eye.
Iwobi feels that shows the vast array of talent in Everton’s squad, with the 24-year-old buoyant about the season ahead.
“[The performance] shows the confidence and the quality we have, and the strength in depth,” said Iwobi. “We were able to rotate the team and got a performance so it shows we have a good team for the season.
“They changed their formation and became more attacking [after the break] but we were able to withstand it and go to the next round. We’re targeting every competition. We now move on to the next round and hopefully we can beat West Ham as well.”
Iwobi missed Everton’s opening two games of the campaign – the 1-0 league win at Spurs and 3-0 Carabao Cup victory over Salford City – due to a minor injury but came off the bench in Saturday’s success against West Brom.
He staked his claim for a starting spot at Crystal Palace on Saturday with the Blues’ third goal, slotting home Anthony Gordon’s centre from the left moments after Fleetwood had got back into the tie at 2-1.
The Nigeria international admitted that he is hoping to give boss Ancelotti a welcome headache for the trip to Selhurst Park.
“It’s good experience for me to build fitness and I’m ready for all competitions so it’s good of the manager to give me this opportunity,” added Iwobi.
“It’s always good to score but the main thing is the team goes through to the next round. I’m glad I was able to help.
“Everyone wants to play and I’m trying my best to play in all competitions – hopefully I can give the manager a headache and play as much as I can!”
