Nigerian Striker Hits Hat-trick As Arsenal See Off Blackburn Rovers In PL2

Published: August 12, 2019

Folarin Balogun bagged a hat-trick as Arsenal came from a goal down to beat Blackburn Rovers 3-1 in their Premier League 2 Division 1 opener at the Lancashire FA HQ on Monday evening.

Tolaji Bola, James Olayinka and Balogun started the game for the young Gunners, while fit again central defender Joseph Olowu replaced Rob Holding 17 minutes into the second half.

Arsenal were level at the break thanks to a goal from Balogun, who slotted home the rebound after a penalty he won was saved by goalkeeper Joe Hilton in the 30th minute.

With seven minutes left on the clock, the Nigerian striker won another penalty for his side and this time he didn't make any mistake, scoring from 12 yards out to give the Gunners a 2-1 lead.

The 18-year-old went home with the match ball after netting his third of the evening from the spot with almost the last kick of the game.

With his hat-trick against Blackburn Rovers, Balogun has now scored four hat-tricks for Arsenal youth teams in the U18 Premier League and Premier League 2 since the start of the 2018-2019 season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com