PL2: 2023 Flying Eagles invitee keeps clean sheet as Arsenal hammer West Ham

2023 Flying Eagles invitee Ovie Ejeheri has picked up where he left off last season by keeping a clean sheet as Arsenal kicked off their Premier League 2 campaign with a 3-0 rout of West Ham United at Meadow Park on Friday.

Ejeheri's feat was more impressive considering that he missed a large chunk of the development's squad pre-season activities as he was given an extended vacation following his loan spell in Finland with SJK Seinäjoki.

The 20-year-old enjoyed a breakout season in 2022-2023, keeping 21 clean sheets combined for National League South club Chelmsford City FC and SJK Seinäjoki.

Arsenal U21 boss Mehmet Ali selected three players of Nigerian descent in his starting lineup - Ejeheri, Ethan Nwaneri and Nathan Butler-Oyedeji.

After a goalless first half, Lewis-Skelly tapped home to open the scoring in the 58th minute after a free-kick was half cleared, and it became 2-0 three minutes later as Butler-Oyedeji doubled the advantage. 

Butler-Oyedeji and Nwaneri linked up well during their 80 minutes on the pitch and it was the latter that provided the assist for the striker's goal. 

Amario Cozier-Duberry wrapped up the scoring in the fourth minute of stoppage time when he found the bottom corner. 

Prior to the visit of the Hammers, Arsenal had not won at home in the Premier League 2 since January 13, 2023 when they beat Leicester City.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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