GK Ejeheri sparkles, Butler-Oyedeji captains team as Arsenal XI concede four goals in London derby

Arsenal XI were beaten 4-0 by Queens Park Rangers in a behind-closed-doors friendly staged at the TSG Elite Training & Performance Centre on Thursday afternoon.

The Arsenal team consisted of first teamers Thomas Partey and fullback Takehiro Tomiyasu, with several academy players named in the startling lineup against a strong Queens Park Rangers side. 

The Arsenal XI was captained by tri-national forward Nathan Butler-Oyedeji and there was also a spot in the starting lineup for 2023 Flying Eagles invitee Ovie Ejeheri.

With Ejeheri in between the posts, Arsenal conceded just one goal in the first half thanks to the Nigerian goalkeeper who made some important saves. 

Before the half hour mark, Adomah found himself in a 1v1 situation with Ejeheri, only to see his attempt thwarted by the goalkeeper's outstanding save.

After Michael Frey opened the scoring via a deflection off Taylor Foran, Ejeheri pulled off yet another impressive save from close range against Ilias Chair to keep the score at 1-0 as both teams headed into halftime.

Ejeheri, who is also eligible for Uganda and England but has committed his international future to Nigeria, made way for  Alexei Rojas before the second half started.

In the second half, Michael Frey doubled the advantage at minute 54, before goals from Elijah Dixon-Bonner and Ziyad Larkeche secured a comfortable win for the Hoops.

With thirteen first teamers away on international duty including three goalkeepers, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has promoted Ejeheri and Butler-Oyedeji to first team training to make up the numbers.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: arsenal.com

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