Balogun, playing hybrid role of half striker & half left winger, on target for Arsenal vs Millwall

Published: July 24, 2021

Folarin Balogun opened his goalscoring account in pre-season as Arsenal thrashed Championship side Millwall 4-1 at Bell Lane on Saturday afternoon.

Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo made his third consecutive start for the Gunners and for the first time in his senior career the Hale End academy graduate did not concede during the 45 minutes he spent on the pitch.

Arsenal broke the deadlock when Calum Chambers headed in the rebound after a scissor-kick from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hit the woodwork.

Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe got on the scoresheet to give Mikel Arteta's team a comfortable 3-0 lead.

One of four substitutes made by the Spanish coach in the 70th minute, Balogun made an instant impact by scoring Arsenal's fourth goal after he was set up by Willian.

Willian picked the ball in his central position and a perfectly weighted pass from the Brazilian was finished with ease by the Anglo-Nigerian, who did well to round the goalkeeper and score.

Allnigeriasoccer.com exclusively reported four days ago that Arteta was considering a Timo Werner-like role at RB Leipzig for Balogun in the forthcoming season and the new role was glaring for everyone to see in today's game shown by Arsenal's official website.

For the duration of the 20 minutes Balogun was on parade, he was made to play in a hybrid role of half left winger and half striker and showed he is a real prospect, making a run from the left side of an attacking role before slotting home in the 73rd minute.

Arsenal will continue their pre-season preparations with a home game against Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, August 1.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com

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