Mind Series Arsenal 1 Chelsea 2 : Okonkwo benched; Balogun, Anjorin & Ugbo not in squad

Published: August 01, 2021

Arsenal began their campaign in the Mind Series with a 2-1 loss to London rivals Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

As for team news, manager Thomas Tuchel did not name Super Eagles hopeful Ike Ugbo and Faustino Anjorin in his matchday squad.

While the striker was involved in all the pre-season matches played by the Blues before they visited the Emirates, the winger only returned to training after testing negative for coronavirus.

Arsenal made it clear when Arthur Okonkwo put pen to paper on a new deal last month that he was third choice goalkeeper and Arteta didn't change the pecking order with the young Anglo-Nigerian on the bench, while striker Folarin Balogun wasn't in the matchday 25.

Kai Havertz's goal was the difference at the interval, the Germany international picking out the top corner following a counter attack.

Xhaka brought Arsenal level when he powered home a header past goalkeeper Kepa after a Nicolas Pepe corner in the 69th minute but Chelsea were back in front five minutes later through Tammy Abraham after the ball was put on a plate to slot home by Bellerin.

Up next, Arsenal will face Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 8, four days before Chelsea welcome the same opponents to Stamford Bridge.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : chelseaf.com

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com