Balogun sends reminder of his qualities to Arteta with brace in Arsenal U23s 6-1 rout of Chelsea

Published: September 19, 2021

Folarin Balogun sent a reminder of his qualities to those in charge at Arsenal first team including Mikel Arteta after scoring a brace and making one goal as the Gunners U23s thrashed Chelsea 6-1 in a London derby at Kingsmeadow on Sunday afternoon.

The England U21 international has been frozen out of the first team picture by the Spaniard in the last one month or so, failing to make four consecutive matchday squads in all competitions.

Balogun has been absolutely fantastic since he was sent to the development squad to improve his match fitness, netting braces in back-to-back matches against Manchester United and Chelsea in the Premier League 2.

Against the Blues this afternoon, the Hale End Academy graduate converted the rebound after his initial penalty which he had won was saved by goalkeeper Bergström in the sixth minute.

On 22 minutes, Biereth volleyed home superbly to make it 2-0 after Balogun showed great vision to deliver a brilliant ball into the Chelsea area and the Anglo-Nigerian striker made things worse for the home team when he scored Arsenal's third goal in the 23rd minute.

Ryan Alebiosu provided the assist for Arsenal's fourth goal, cutting the ball back for Biereth who slotted home from close range in the third minute of first half stoppage-time.

Balogun's display in his last two games in the Premier League 2 could cause manager Arteta to consider him for the upcoming midweek game against AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup.

Mazeed Ogungbo, Alebiosu, Tim Akinola and James Olayinka all tasted action against Chelsea, while goalkeeper Ovie Ejeheri was a non-playing substitute.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com

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