Iwobi delivers timely assist as Everton win in  season opener

Super Eagles winger Alex Iwobi enjoyed twenty minutes action on Saturday as Everton began the season with a 3-1 win over visiting Southampton.

The former Arsenal strong man was thrown into the ring in the 70th minute of the match stepping in as late substitute for England international AndrosTownsend.

Interestingly the visitors fired the first shot with early goal in the 22nd minute thanks to Adam Armstrong.

The Visitors held on to the lead till the 47th minute when Richarlison who bagged a yellow in the 30th minute levelled up in the 47th minute.

Two more goals from Abdoulaye Doucouré and Dominic Calvert-Lewin respectively killed off the game to the delight of Rafael Benitez who is flagging off his new season on a victorious note.

It was a huge plus for the former Liverpool Manager whose engagement by the club initially got some frowns from some fans.

read also Iwobi, teammates fire blank as Man U enjoy 4-0 goal feast

Though the former Liverpool manager was without a number of players including James Rodriguez, Ben Godrey and Andre Gomes who are understood to be isolating, he was able to pair Richarlison with Calvert-Lewin who had missed pre-season with a foot injury. Despite having minimal time in the match Iwobi bagged a seven out of ten rating.

The Nigerian made effective use of the time available and fed Doucoure and the Frenchman showed tremendous grace for a six-footer as he swivelled on the edge of the box and fired past McCarthy with a terrific strike.