Balogun Scores And Assists; Azeez Makes Senior Debut For Arsenal In 4-2 Win Vs Dundalk

Arsenal are the only team to finish the Europa League group stage with a one hundred percent record after beating Dundalk 4-2 in their final Group B fixture on Thursday evening.

Two teenagers of Nigerian descent were involved for the Gunners, with Mikel Arteta bringing on Folarin Balogun in the 62nd minute and the striker was joined on the Dublin Arena turf by central midfielder Miguel Azeez with seven minutes left.

Azeez became the first player in the 2019-2020 intake of academy scholars to debut for Arsenal's first team in the process, a list also featuring goalkeeper Ovie Ejeheri, fullback Daniel Oyegoke, defender Mazeed Ogungbo and winger Nathan Butler-Oyedeji who all have Nigerian blood in their veins.

Nketiah and Elneny scored to give Arsenal a 2-0 lead but Dundalk, who were without former Nigeria U23 international and Tottenham Hotspur academy product, Nathan Oduwa, thought they were back in it when Flores halved the deficit midway through the first half.

Five minutes after his introduction, Balogun set up the third goal scored by the north London club, holding the ball with his back to goal before laying it off for Joe Willock, who fired a powerful shot past the keeper.

The 19-year-old turned from provider to scorer when he made it 4-1 thirteen minutes later after he was given time and space to shoot past Rogers.

Balogun has now scored two goals in four appearances for Arsenal's first team in 61 minutes of action in the Europa League.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com