PL2 playoffs: Tri-national forward Butler-Oyedeji on target in Arsenal's dramatic 3-2 loss to Chelsea

Arsenal suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to local rivals Chelsea in the quarterfinals of the Premier League 2 playoffs on Saturday afternoon at Meadow Park (Borehamwood, Hertfordshire).

The Gunners were ten minutes away from advancing to the semifinals of the competition only to concede two late goals. 

Six players of Nigerian descent featured in the game, with Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, Josh Nichols, Ovie Ejeheri and Ethan Nwaneri all starting for Arsenal while Chelsea duo Tyrique George and Richard Olise came off the bench in the second half.

Myles Lewis-Skelly had put Arsenal in front in the 13th minute, but a goal by Diego Moreira in first half stoppage time meant the two teams were level at the interval. 

Butler-Oyedeji restored Arsenal's one-goal advantage nine minutes into the second half when he calmly slotted past the goalkeeper. 

Ten minutes from time, Diego Moreira slotted in the rebound after Tyrique George's effort was saved by Ejeheri and the Portugal U21 international bagged his hat-trick in the fifth minute of stoppage time with a shot from 20 yards.

Butler-Oyedeji spent the first half of the season at League One club Cheltenham Town, where he made fourteen appearances before he was recalled by Arsenal in the January transfer window. 

The 21-year-old forward, who is eligible to represent Nigeria, England and Saint Vincent at international level, was impressive in the Premier League 2 playoffs, contributing to half of the eight goals scored by Arsenal's development squad. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: arsenal.com

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