Arsenal star Alex Iwobi admits he thought he would be sent out on loan this season

Alex Iwobi has revealed he was prepared for a season out on loan this year, but is delighted Arsene Wenger has shown faith in him.

The Arsenal attacker has missed just two Premier League games this season as he has cemented his place in a free flowing and goalscoring Gunners side.

Iwobi has provided three assists in all competitions and has earned the praise of the Arsenal supporters, but the 20-year-old admitted he was not expecting to be a first team player so soon.

‘Honestly I didn’t expect to be where I am today,’ Iwobi told Arsenal Player.

‘I thought a long time ago that I’d be on loan and probably get experience there before having experience in the first team.

‘But the fact that the boss trusted me to jump into the first team as quick as I did, I’m just grateful for it.

‘The same way I was able to break into it is the same way that I take the chance now.

‘I play like it’s almost like my last game, I treat it like it’s my last moment here, so I do my best and I always put 100 percent into whatever I do.’

Arsenal have a huge game ahead of them this weekend with a trip to Manchester United and will be eager to continue to keep pace with the league leaders Liverpool.

A disappointing 1-1 draw with London rivals Tottenham in their last league outing slowed their progress somewhat this season, but Wenger’s side are just two points off the top.