EFL Trophy : Balogun scores again but Arsenal are beaten by Plymouth Argyle on penalties

Published: November 02, 2021

Arsenal were beaten 5-4 on penalties by the first team of League One side Plymouth Argyle in the Papa John's Trophy on Tuesday night.

Gunners development squad manager Kevin Betsy handed starts to goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, wing-back Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Tim Akinola and James Olayinka, and striker Folarin Balogun.

When Joel Ideho came off the bench in the 88th minute, it meant six Nigeria-eligible youngsters tasted action at Home Park; Nathan Butler-Oyedeji and Ovie Ejeheri were non-playing substitutes.

Kieran Agard scored the opening goal of the game with a first time finish in the 24th minute.

Eleven minutes into the second half, Balogun rounded the Pilgrims goalkeeper and slotted home from a tight angle to take the game to penalties.

The England U21 international could have won it for the Gunners in injury time with an effort from range but was denied by a save from Callum Burton.

With both teams tied at 4-4, the shootout went into sudden death, in which Olayinka's kick was saved and Shirley converted his to secure an extra point for Plymouth Argyle.

Balogun scored and provided an assist in his last game in the Premier League 2, a 4-2 success over Leeds United last Friday.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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