EPL Wrap : Anjorin, Balogun, Olise missing; Carney full debut; Ndidi goes 90; Iheanacho, Iwobi subbed in

Published: August 28, 2021

A round-up of Nigeria-eligible players that were in action for their respective clubs in the English Premier League on Saturday, August 28.

In the early kickoff, Arsenal's dismal season continued after they were thrashed 5-0 by champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

For the first time in his career, Arthur Okonkwo was included in a matchday squad, teammate Folarin Balogun was not in the 20 and City winger Samuel Edozie wasn't listed.

The Citizens registered back-to-back 5-0 home wins thanks to goals from Ilkay Gundogan, Ferran Torres (2), Gabriel Jesus and Rodri.

At Villa Park, a goal apiece ensured Aston Villa and Brentford shared the spoils in their first ever Premier League meeting.

The big news an hour before kickoff was the unavailability of Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka who tested positive for Covid-19, while Aston Villa's talented teenage midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka was handed his first Premier League start.

Ivan Toney, who was on fire in the Championship last season, opened the scoring for the Bees in the 7th minute only for Emiliano Buendia to restore parity five minutes later.

The 17-year-old Chukwuemeka was on parade for 63 minutes before making way for Nakamba.

Goals from Demarai Gray and Dominic Calvert-Lewin earned Everton a 2-0 win against Brighton & Hove at the Amex Stadium.

With 20 minutes left on the clock, Super Eagles star Alex Iwobi replaced the injured Calvert-Lewin.

The Toffees number 17 was lively after he came on and his shot was deflected for a corner in the 84th minute.

At St James' Park, Nathan Tella was a non-playing substitute as Southampton held Newcastle United to a dramatic 2-2 draw, with all the goals scored in the second half.

Wilson broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, Elyounoussi drew the Saints level on 75 minutes, Saint-Maximin put the hosts 2-1 up in the first minute of stoppage time and James Ward-Prowse slotted home a penalty in the 96th minute for the leveler.

At Carrow Road, Leicester City returned to winning ways by beating Norwich City 2-1.

While Wilfred Ndidi went the distance, international teammate Kelechi Iheanacho was introduced off the bench midway through the second half and Norwich City's Andrew Omobamidele watched proceedings from the bench.

Jamie Vardy struck in the 8th minute to give the Foxes the lead, before Teemu Pukki equalised from the spot just before half-time, but the Foxes won it thanks to Marc Albrighton's composed finish on 76 minutes.

At the London Stadium, West Ham United and Crystal Palace played out a hard-fought 2-2 draw.

Manager Patrick Vieira could not count on Super Eagles targets Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise due to fitness issues, while West Ham's teenage striker Mipo Odubeko was not listed.

Pablo Fornals and Michail Antonio's goals were cancelled out by Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher.

In the late kickoff at Anfield, Faustino Anjorin was not involved amid speculation linking him with a possible move to Lokomotiv Moscow as Chelsea were held to a 1-1 draw by Liverpool.

In an action packed opening forty five minutes, Kai Havertz opened the scoring with a well-executed header, but the Reds restored parity through Mohamed Salah, who converted a spot kick after Reece James handled the ball on the line in stoppage time.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : lcfc.com

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com