PL 2 : Arsenal striker Balogun nets game-winner in the 89th minute against Blackburn Rovers

Published: November 22, 2021

Arsenal have Folarin Balogun to thank for reclaiming top spot in the Premier League 2 table after the striker netted an 89th minute winner in their 3-2 victory over Blackburn Rovers at Lancashire FA County Ground (Leyland, Lancashire) on Monday night.

Former Fulham, Barnsley and Wycombe Wanderers midfielder Kevin Betsy, the coach of the Gunners development squad, gave minutes to as many as seven players of Nigerian descent.

There were starts for goalkeeper Ovie Ejeheri, defenders Mazeed Ogungbo and Ryan Alebiosu, and Balogun, while Zach Awe, Tim Akinola and James Olayinka came off the bench in the second half.

Arsenal seemingly had a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break thanks to goals from Mika Biereth and Giraud-Hutchinson.

But a red card shown to Arsenal defender Norton-Cuffy in the 54th minute changed the dynamics of the game in favour of Blackburn Rovers as they fought back and netted twice to make it 2-2.

Just as it seemed both teams would settle for a share of the spoils, Balogun found the net with a curling effort from the edge of the area to secure all three points for the visitors.

Balogun has scored ten goals from his nine Premier League 2 games in the 2021-2022 season.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : arsenal.com

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