Rangers 2 Arsenal 2: Super Eagle on target; Okonkwo, Balogun, Bassey start; Aribo missing

Published: July 17, 2021

Premier League club Arsenal continued their pre-season preparations with a glamour friendly against Scottish champions Glasgow Rangers at Ibrox Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The friendly was hosted by the Light Blues to commemorate 150 years of Rangers today.

As for team news, four players of Nigerian descent were named in the starting lineup, with Leon Balogun and Calvin Bassey starting for the home team, goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo and Folarin Balogun were in Arsenal's XI, but there was no place in the squad for Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo.

Mikel Arteta's team are still searching for their first win in pre-season after they were held to a 2-2 draw by the Premiership giants.

Leon Balogun opened the scoring with a terrific finish, heading home a James Tavernier delivery in the 14th minute but the London team were level at the break thanks to a goal from new signing Nuno Tavares.

The Super Eagles defender, Okonkwo and Balogun were substituted at half-time, while Bassey subbed out at minute 63.

In the second half, a header from Cedric Itten put Rangers 2-1 up but a late goal scored by Edward Nketiah saved Arsenal from defeat.

Up next for Arsenal, they face Italian champions Inter Milan in the Florida Cup while Rangers travel to Bloomfield Road to face Blackpool.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : rangers.co.uk

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