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Arsenal's Mana Iwabuchi Pulls Off 'Slide-Tackle Nutmeg' In North London Derby, It's Poetry In Motion

Arsenal's Mana Iwabuchi Pulls Off 'Slide-Tackle Nutmeg' In North London Derby, It's Poetry In Motion

She really pulled that off.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

Arsenal forward Mana Iwabuchi might have dropped the best nutmeg of the season during this week's FA Cup quarter-final clash against Spurs.

The 28-year-old Japanese international, who joined Arsenal in the summer following her departure from Aston Villa, has been dubbed 'the female Maradona' throughout her established career.

Often producing moments of magic in games, Iwabuchi lived up to her nickname in Wednesday's North London derby when she nutmegged Spurs captain Josie Green with a wonderful touch before finding the net.

Arsenal's number 23, who has also played for Nippon TV Beleza, Hoffenheim, Bayern Munich and INAC Kobe Leonessa, played a pivotal role in the club's 5-1 victory against Tottenham.

Jonas Eidevall's side went down in the opening stages after Rachel Williams scored for Spurs but Iwabuchi soon levelled with that cracking strike.

She continued to impress throughout, leaving Arsenal fans seriously impressed with her skill and composure.

In their last four games, Arsenal have scored 18 and conceded one.

In fact, the Gunners have won all of their first seven games under new manager Jonas Eidevall, who says there is still room for improvement.

"We looked so threatening in our offence, but I think we can be a lot better, still," he said after the game.

"That's the development we need to see. From a results perspective and the way we look in attack sometimes, it's excellent, but I still think there are some areas we can improve on."

Iwabuchi, meanwhile, is delighted to be in North London after spending last season at fellow Super League side Aston Villa.

"I'm so happy to finally be able to announce that I am an Arsenal player," Iwabuchi told Arsenal Media after signing for the club.

"I know the club has wanted to sign me for a long time now, so it's a great honour to be able to play for Arsenal.

"There are so many amazing players and I can't wait to get started."

Featured Image Credit: FA

Topics: Football, Arsenal, Japan