Shoretire On Target, GK Okonkwo Pulls Off Stunning Saves As Manchester United Beat Arsenal U23

Published: February 12, 2021

Arsenal may have lost 3-0 to Manchester United in a Premier League 2 clash at Leigh Sports Village Stadium on Friday night but goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo was very impressive, pulling off several stunning saves to prevent the scoreline from being more humiliating.

With first choice goalkeeper Bernd Leno set to return to action against Leeds United on Sunday after serving a one-match suspension, Okonkwo, who was third choice in the absence of the German, returned to play for his age group.

The 19-year-old was one of six players of Nigerian descent that started the game; Folarin Balogun, Ryan Alebiosu, Daniel Oyegoke and Tim Akinola also started for the Gunners while Manchester United's Shola Shoretire was in his team's eleven.

Arsenal played for ten men for at least 82 minutes following the dismissal of Oyegoke in the eighth minute.

From the penalty awarded, Okonkwo produced a brilliant save to deny Joe Hugill from opening the scoring.

Shoretire was involved in the build-up to United's opener, playing Hugill through and his cross found Neville who finished with composure midway through the first half.

On 56 minutes Okonkwo made another big save to deny Stanley before Hugill doubled the advantage on the hour mark.

A minute from time, Shoretire wrapped up the scoring when he dusted himself down to covert a penalty for Manchester United after he was fouled in the area.

A seventh player of Nigerian descent in Arsenal defender Mazeed Ogungbo tasted action after coming off the bench in the 83rd minute.

Okonkwo had never conceded more than one goal in a single game in the Premier League 2 prior to tonight's defeat to the Red Devils.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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