Balogun continues fine form for Arsenal U23s with brace vs Brighton at the Emirates Stadium

Published: October 01, 2021

Folarin Balogun continued his fine form for Arsenal U23s by netting a brace as they defeated Brighton & Hove 3-0 in a Premier League 2 clash at the Emirates Stadium in London on Friday evening.

After a disastrous start to the season that saw them lose 6-1 to West Ham United in their opening match, the Gunners are the most in-form team in the division, having won five of their last six matches and were forced to a 2-2 draw by current champions Manchester City.

Mazeed Ogungbo, Tim Akinola, Balogun and Ryan Alebiosu all started for the home team, while Seagulls center back Odeluga Offiah was named in Brighton's starting line-up.

Fourteen minutes in, Balogun missed the penalty awarded after he was tripped in the box but scored with the rebound to give the Gunners the lead, before Salah-Eddine Oulad M'hand doubled the advantage in the 32nd minute.

Balogun won another penalty in the 65th minute when he was brought down by Offiah and this time he did not make any mistake, squeezing his shot past the Brighton goalkeeper to make it 3-0.

The Anglo-Nigerian striker has now scored braces in three of the four matches he has played for Arsenal U23s in the Premier League 2, taking his tally to six goals.

Arsenal U23s have gone top of the Premier League 2 table after their win against Brighton & Hove.

So far this season, Balogun has appeared in three matches for Arsenal's first team, including two in the Premier League.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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