Arsenal's Anglo-Nigerian right-back receives first call-up for a Premier League match

Published: January 23, 2022

Promising right-back Ryan Alebiosu received his first-ever call-up for an English Premier League match on Sunday afternoon as Arsenal were surprisingly held to a goalless draw by Burnley at the Emirates Stadium.

The Anglo-Nigerian youngster benefited from the absence of first choice right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu who was not available for selection due to a calf issue.

Having observed Alebiosu at close quarters for most part of last week, Spanish football tactician Mikel Arteta included Alebiosu in his matchday 20 for the second successive game but didn't hand him a debut off the bench.

The 20-year-old's first squad involvement for the Gunners first team was against Liverpool in the second leg of the semifinal of the Carabao Cup on Thursday and he was also a non-playing substitute in the fixture.

Anglo-Nigerian goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo who was involved in the final workout ahead of the visit of the Clarets was not included in the matchday squad with Arteta opting for Bernd Leno as cover for Aaron Ramsdale.

Arsenal's miserable start to 2022 continued with no wins from five matches in all competitions and have failed to score in four games in a row in League or Cup.

The north London club found Burnley a tough nut to crack over the course of the game and their best chance fell to Emile Smith Rowe, whose shot was brilliantly saved by Nick Pope.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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