I have confidence in Iwobi ―Wenger

Arsene Wenger has offered a defence after Arsenal started Alex Iwobi in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea.

Ian Wright blasted the club for starting Iwobi in such an important game, with the winger facing a fine for partying less than 48 hours before the club’s FA Cup third-round loss to Nottingham Forest.

Wenger has stated that Iwobi will face punishment for the indiscretion, but the Nigerian started in the 0-0 draw against Chelsea.

“If I think he can help the team to win, that’s nothing to do with the fact he can be punished separately individually,” Wenger said.

But Wright was unimpressed, telling Sky Sports: “In the current climate, for a young player to go out and do that with Arsenal going through what they’re going through now — experienced players wanting to leave, there’s no leadership — Arsene Wenger should have made a better stance on this. A stronger stance.

“Because Arsenal have got to find what we are losing at the moment. People laugh at us — they see it as a bit of a joke with what’s going on at the moment — players don’t want to be there. It just feels like we are losing control.

“I think Mourinho wouldn’t have that. I don’t think a Man United player would (go out 48 hours before a game).

“I remember when we were playing in that great Man United era, you hardly read about their players doing stuff like that.

“You’re hearing about Alex Ferguson going around to people’s houses and throwing them out. They just didn’t do it.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal fans came up with a brilliant new chant for  Iwobi in the highlight of a dull stalemate against Chelsea.

When Iwobi, 21, shanked a long-range effort, the visiting supporters were quick to make light of the situation.

Chants of “should have stayed at the party” rang out from the away end in possibly the moment of the match.