Prolific Nigeria-eligible striker Folarin Balogun netted a brace but could not prevent Arsenal from losing 4-2 to Manchester City in a Premier League 2 fixture at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

As many as five players of Nigerian descent were named in the starting line-up for their respective teams, Balogun and outstanding midfielder Miguel Azeez for Arsenal, while goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, defender Nathanael Ogbeta and midfielder Felix Nmecha were in City's eleven.

Balogun gave the Gunners a dream start by firing home after just one minute and he came close to increasing the lead but saw his effort blocked for a corner on 18 minutes.

Manchester City were able to equalise through Adrian Bernabe as both teams went into the break level at 1-1.

In the second half, Arsenal regained the lead when Balogun slotted past Bazunu on 63 minutes, but goals from
Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jayden Braff and Bernabe secured a win for Manchester City.

Balogun, who has trained with Arsenal's first team on multiple occasions this season, has scored four goals in his last four appearances for the U23 side.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : arsenal.com