EFL Trophy: Penalty drama as Harriman-Annous redeems himself in Arsenal's win against Newport

Nigerian attacker Andre Harriman-Annous continued his fine run of form, scoring in back-to-back matches for the first time this season as Arsenal U21s came from behind to beat Newport County's senior side 2-1 in their Vertu Trophy opener on Tuesday night.

 The 17-year-old, who struck twice in Arsenal's last outing before the trip to Rodney Parade, was one of three players of Nigerian descent in the starting line-up, joined by Josh Nichols and Ife Ibrahim, while Manchester United loanee Habeeb Ogunneye featured for Newport.

Newly appointed coach David Horseman endured a tough start in the dugout as his side fell behind inside two minutes, with Ben Lloyd firing a low effort into the bottom corner.

Harriman-Annous almost produced a swift response, spinning sharply in the box in the seventh minute only to see his effort dramatically clawed off the line.

The young forward was handed a golden chance to level six minutes after the restart when he was brought down by Warner in the area, but he failed to convert the resulting spot-kick.

He made amends moments later, holding his nerve from 12 yards in the 58th minute to bring the Gunners level.

With the game seemingly headed for a draw, Charles Sagoe Jr scored the decisive goal in the 89th minute, sweeping home from close range after a corner to seal the win for Arsenal.

Harriman-Annous lasted 94 minutes before being withdrawn, an indication he is unlikely to make his professional debut when Arsenal travel to Port Vale for the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday night.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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