Nigeria midfielder Alex Iwobi joins Premier League elite with historic three-club landmark

Alex Iwobi has etched his name into Premier League history after becoming only the fifth player to make at least 100 appearances for three different clubs.

The Nigeria international reached the remarkable milestone for Fulham during their 3-2 defeat to Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage on Saturday, having been named in the starting lineup.

Iwobi previously recorded 100 Premier League appearances for Arsenal and 123 for Everton before completing his century with Fulham. His latest landmark places him in an exclusive group alongside Gary Speed, Rory Delap, Gareth Barry and James Milner.

Iwobi enters exclusive Premier League club

The achievement underlines Iwobi’s longevity at the highest level of English football since making his Premier League debut with Arsenal.

The 29-year-old has established himself as an important figure for Fulham since joining the club and was involved in their attacking efforts against Palace, taking responsibility for set pieces and attempting a shot inside the visitors’ penalty area.

His milestone, however, was overshadowed by Fulham surrendering a lead twice before Palace completed a late comeback.

Fulham surrender lead as Palace fight back

Fulham started brightly and went ahead in the 11th minute when Joshua King collected the ball inside the penalty area before his effort took a deflection and found its way past Dean Henderson.

Crystal Palace thought they had levelled through Tyrick Mitchell, but his initial effort was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.

Mitchell eventually got his goal in the 35th minute, restoring parity and giving Palace renewed momentum.

Fulham responded before the break, with Cesar Palacios firing home a rebound in the 42nd minute to send the hosts into half-time with a 2-1 advantage.

Palace refused to fold, though, and Mitchell completed his brace nine minutes after the restart, bringing the visitors level at 2-2.

Ben Chilwell seals Palace comeback

The decisive moment came in the 77th minute when Ben Chilwell reacted quickest to a rebound inside the Fulham box and fired into the bottom-right corner.

The goal completed Palace’s comeback and condemned Fulham to a frustrating defeat despite their two goals.

Iwobi was joined in Fulham’s lineup by fellow Nigeria international Calvin Bassey, who also featured in the contest.