PL2: Butler-Oyedeji scores as Arsenal lose to Sunderland in final game of 2024

Nigerian forward Nathan Butler-Oyedeji scored for Arsenal on Monday night, but his goal proved in vain as they were defeated 2-1 by Sunderland in a Premier League 2 fixture at Meadow Park.

In what was the Gunners U21s' final game of 2024, manager Mehmet Ali handed a start to Butler-Oyedeji, with Josh Nichols and Andre Harriman-Annous coming on as second half substitutes, while goalkeeper Brian Okonkwo remained an unused substitute.

The Black Cats got off to a perfect start as Timur Tuterov slotted the ball past Lucas Nygaard, putting them ahead after just five minutes.

Nine minutes into the second half, Butler-Oyedeji, wearing the captain's armband, equalized for the home team with a close range effort. 

Eight minutes from time, Marcus Neill tucked home a rebound to score what proved to be the game-winning goal.

Butler-Oyedeji has been in red-hot form since the start of the 2024-2025 season, tallying seven goals and six assists in nine appearances in the Premier League 2.

The 21-year-old has been included in five matchday squads for the first team, four of which were in the UEFA Champions League.

Arsenal, currently ninth in the Premier League 2 standings with 16 points from 10 games, will return to action on January 13, 2025, when they face Norwich City at Carrow Road.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: arsenal.com

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