Aina unable to keep Saka at bay, super-sub Awoniyi opens season account against Arsenal

Ola Aina made his competitive debut and Taiwo Awoniyi scored for Nottingham Forest in their 2-1 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon.

Aina joined Steve Cooper's side last month after four seasons with Italian Serie A side  Torino

He was deployed as a left wing-back who was tasked with stopping Bukayo Saka but could not prevent the Gunners number 7 from getting on the scoresheet.

The 26-year-old was substituted in the 70th minute and was replaced by Neco Williams.

The former Torino defender made 3 tackles, won 4 of his 6 ground duels, and was not dribbled past.

Awoniyi who was struggling with his fitness came on as a second-half substitute for Danilo Oliviera.

He got Forest's only goal of the game in the 82nd minute from a counterattack and was assisted by Antony Elanga.

However, the third Super Eagles player in the two-time European champions squad Emmanuel Dennis didn't make the matchday squad

Eddie Nketiah gave Arsenal the lead in the 26th from a brilliant Gabriel Martinelli assist.

Bukayo Saka doubled Mikel Arteta's side's lead in the 32nd minute with a brilliant strike

Nottingham Forest's next Premier League game is against Sheffield United at the City Ground on August 18.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

Photo Credit: arsenal.com

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