Why Nigerian Striker Tearing Up The PL 2 Did Not Debut For Arsenal In 4-0 Rout Of Standard Liege

Published: October 03, 2019

Folarin Balogun missed out on a senior debut for Arsenal as they registered a 4-0 win against Standard Liege on matchday two of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night.

The 18-year-old is knocking on the first team door on the back of his imperious displays for the Gunners U23 squad this season and has scored 7 goals in seven appearances in the Premier League 2.

With 25 goals in 18 appearances in the U18 Premier League, he was the top scoring 17-year-old in English youth football for the 2018-19 campaign.

According to manager Unai Emery, Balogun was in contention to make his senior debut if not for an injury that sidelined him.

The Spaniard told reporters ahead of the clash at the Emirates : ''We also have two more injuries in the Under-23s – Folarin Balogun and Tyreece John-Jules – they are injured and cannot help us''.

Balogun was an unused substitute for the first team against Nottingham Forest in the League Cup on September 24.

Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka was not in the matchday 18 against Standard Liege, while goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, Tolaji Bola, Jospeh Olowu, Tobi Omole and James Olayinka were not considered.

Arsenal secured their second successive win in the group stage of the Europa League thanks to goals from Gabriel Martinelli (2), Joseph Willock and Daniel Ceballos.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com