EPL Wrap: Success, Billing, Ndidi Go 90; Iheanacho Subbed In; Iwobi & Saka In 18; Balogun Benched; Lookman & Solanke Missing

Published: December 29, 2018

A round-up of Nigerian players that were in action for their respective clubs in the English Premier League on Saturday, December 29.

Nigerian players with dual nationalities and have played competitively for the senior national teams of other countries have been omitted.

At the American Express Community Stadium in East Sussex, Brighton & Hove won their first game in five, beating Everton 1-0 thanks to Jurgen Locadia's strike just before the hour mark.

The Seagulls first-choice central defenders Shane Duffy and Lewis Dunk have finished serving their respective suspensions and this saw Leon Balogun return to the bench, where he remained for the entirety of the game.

England U21 star Ademola Lookman has presumably not recovered from injury and was not in the Toffees 18.

At Craven Cottage (London), Fulham needed a late goal from Aleksandar Mitrovic, scored in the 90th minute, to secure a 1-0 win and claim all three points against Huddersfield Town.

Denmark U21 international Philip Billing had come close to breaking the deadlock three minutes from time when his long range strike took a deflection and went just wide. The number 8 played the full game.

At the King Power Stadium, Cardiff City secured a huge three points against Leicester City thanks to Victor Camarasa's 92nd minute goal from outside the box.

Wilfred Ndidi started and went the distance for the 19th game in the Premier League this season. International teammate Kelechi Iheanacho returned to the match day squad and was introduced off the bench on 68 minutes.

Elsewhere, Isaac Success returned to Watford's starting line-up for the first time in four matches as Javi Gracia's men were held to a 1-1 draw by Newcastle United at Vicarage Road.

The Magpies went in front on 29 minutes through a splendidly taken goal by Salomon Rondon but the Hornets were able to claim an equalising goal through Abdoulaye Doucoure with eight minutes left on the clock.

Out of favour Italy international Stefano Okaka was left out of the match day squad. Teammate Success played the full game.

In the late kickoff, Alex Iwobi starts for Arsenal against Liverpool at Anfield. Bukayo Saka is on the bench for only the second time in the Premier League while Reds striker Dominic Solanke has not been selected due to injury.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : watfordfc.com