Asemota saves penalty on debut for Arsenal U18s ahead of linking up with England squad 

Golden Eaglets-eligible goalkeeper Owen Asemota made his competitive debut for Arsenal U18s as they were held to a 2-2 draw by West Brom in an U18 Premier League match on Saturday, April 6.

Asemota played his first game for the Gunners U18s, a few days before he links up with the England U16 squad for the UEFA Development Tournament which will hold in Spain from April 12 to April 17.

The Arsenal goalkeeper is among three teenagers of Nigerian descent in line to face the Future Eagles at the tournament in Spain, the others being Wolverhampton Wanderers fullback Wesley Okoduwa and Chelsea forward Rio Ngumoha.

Before his debut for Arsenal U18s, Asemota received three call-ups for U18 Premier League games but remained rooted to the bench in the encounters with Fulham (2) and Crystal Palace.

Against West Brom, Arsenal took the lead in the 12th minute when Max Dowman curled the ball into the top corner, only for Dan Chimeziri to restore parity three minutes later. 

Denmark U17 international of Nigerian descent Chido Obi-Martin restored the Gunners lead with a composed finish in the 26th minute, taking his tally to 13 goals from 12 appearances in the division.

Nine minutes into the second half, Asemota produced a brilliant save to deny Baggies forward Adriel Walker the chance to equalize from the spot. 

The highly-rated glovesman pulled off another impressive save to keep out  Divine Onyemachi's effort, before Archie Kirton scored a 90th minute equalizer. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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