UEL: Olayinka features, Azeez benched as Arsenal throw away lead to draw with Slavia Prague

Published: April 08, 2021

Arsenal threw away a slender 1-0 lead right at the death to draw 1-1 with Czech champions Slavia Prague in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League quarterfinal tie at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday evening.

Nigeria international Peter Olayinka started and put in an 85-minute shift before making way for Ibrahim Traore, while Arsenal's Spanish-Nigerian midfielder Miguel Azeez watched proceedings from the bench for the entirety of the game.

In the 36th minute, Olayinka had Slavia's first effort on goal from the edge of the box but it was comfortable for Bernd Leno who saved his shot.

Following a goalless first half, the Gunners had to wait until the 86th minute before breaking the deadlock, Nicolas Pepe the scorer.

The Ivory Coast star, having come off the bench as a replacement for Bukayo Saka in the 77th minute, raced into the box before lifting the ball over the oncoming goalkeeper.

But the lead was erased in the fourth minute of added time as Tomas Holes netted with a header at the far post after Arsenal were unable to deal with a corner.

The second leg will take place at the Sinobo Stadium (Praha) next Thursday, starting from 2000 hours.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : slavia.cz

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