The Nigeria international swapped north London for Merseyside last summer as he joined Everton for £35m and made a emotional return to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Alex Iwobi still holds a special place in the hearts of many Arsenal supporters.

For the first time since the Nigeria international’s £35m move to Everton during last summer’s transfer window, he was back at the Emirates Stadium to lineup against his former club and teammates.

It was actually the second time Iwobi had faced the Gunners since his exit, but being back in north London will have been extra special.

Handed a start by Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti, Iwobi was celebrating after barely a minute as Dominic Calvert-Lewin broke the deadlock with a stunning acrobatic effort as he punished a lapse in concentration from the Arsenal defenders.

Four more goals were to follow during an entertaining game at the Emirates as the Gunners came out on top to extend their winning run to three across all competitions.

Unlike the reverse meeting at Goodison Park, Iwobi was not forced off early on because of injury.

Instead he was substituted on the hour mark and it was at that point where Arsenal fans inside the stadium showed their class.

As Iwobi headed off to be replaced by Bernard, he clapped every corner of the ground and also received a standing ovation from the home supporters who clearly appreciate everything the academy graduate did during his time at the club.

A standing ovation from the home fans for Alex Iwobi, who makes way for Bernard with half an hour remaining

Good to see you back at the Emirates, @AlexIwobi 👊

🔴 3-2 🔵 (60)#ARSEVE pic.twitter.com/2dB7l6nywh

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 23, 2020

With that said, Iwobi did come close to scoring in the first-half as he flashed a shot just wide of the post with Bernd Leno beaten.

It would have been interesting to hear the response of the Gunners supporters had that effort gone in.

In the end the attacking midfielder’s return to north London turned out to be a miserable one as Aubameyang’s second half goal turned out to be the winner, although the hosts were made to work for all three points.