EPL: Iwobi scores brace in Fulham’s loss as Forest draw Liverpool to go second

Alex Iwobi, Nigerian international, scored twice but could not save Fulham from suffering a 3-2 defeat at the hand of West Ham United in their English Premier League (EPL) encounter on Tuesday.

The London derby produced five goals with two from Iwobi who produced both moments in the second half as Graham Potter, West Ham United’s new manager, won on his EPL return.

Fulham were down by two goals before Iwobi netted his first to half the deficit.

The midfielder’s cross into the box evaded everyone, including the goalkeeper, and trickled into the net for 2-1 in the 51st minute.

The former Arsenal youngster completed his brace by repeating the trick with another cross that resulted into a goal in the 78 minutes to bring Fulham within distance of claiming a point at 3-2.

The contributions bring Iwobi to seven EPL goals this season — his highest tally  since breaking into the EPL as a youngster.

He has also hit double digits for combined goals and assists this season for the first time in his career.

Fulham remain in ninth place while West Ham moved up to 12th position to ease relegation trouble.

In the top-of-the-table clash, Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw by second-placed Nottingham Forest at the City Ground stadium.

The hosts were under pressure from the league leaders but went ahead against the run of play in the eighth minute through free-scoring Chris Woods who finished off a counter attack.

Arne Slot’s men had to wait until the 66th minute when two substitutes combined to draw the side level.

Kostas Tsimikas crossed for Diogo Jota to head home the equalizer, and Forest held on to claim a precious point.

Liverpool, with 47 points from 20 matches are still six points ahead of Nottingham Forest who played a game more.

Reece James scored a free-kick in added time to rescue a point for Chelsea in their 2-2 draw with Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge, a result that leaves Enzo Maresca’s side without a win in five EPL matches and further dents their unlikely title push.

Manchester City surrendered a two-goal lead away at Brentford to finish 2-2, denying Pep Guardiola’s side a third league win on the bounce as the champions continue to push up the league following the poor run of form.

RESULTS

Nottingham Forest 1-1 Liverpool

West Ham United 3-2 Fulham

Chelsea 2-2 Bournemouth

Brentford 2-2 Manchester City