Nigerian Starlets Partner Arsenal Captain Koscielny In Defense In 5-0 Loss To Derby PL2

Published: November 27, 2018

Arsenal were humiliated 5-0 by Derby County in the Premier League 2 on Monday with five players of Nigerian descent in action for the Gunners at Loughborough University Football Stadium.

The Gunners three-man defense was made up of Joseph Olowu, Tolaji Bola and first-team captain Laurent Koscielny, who was making a return from an injury that saw him miss the 2018 World Cup.

Joseph Olowu, 18, has had his own injury problems and yesterday's match against the Rams was his first for the youth team since October 22 when he helped goalkeeper Iliev to post a shutout vs Everton.

Derby County were in front in the 26th minute with George Thorne converting a penalty after Jayden Lawson was brought down by Tolaji Bola.

Cresswell, Knight and Sibley (2) were on target in the second half as The Rams recorded a comprehensive win.

England U19 star Bukayo Saka was introduced in the 64th minute with the Gunners trailing 2-0 while Tobi Omole replaced James Olayinka with 14 minutes left on the clock.

Gunners U23 boss Ljungberg made his first change of the evening at half-time when Laurent Koscielny was replaced by Osei-Tutu.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : arsenal.com