Onuachu makes first PL appearance in 511 days as Arsenal come from behind to beat Southampton

Paul Onuachu made his first Premier League appearance in 511 days as Southampton fell 3-1 to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening.

Before the Saints visited the English capital, the Super Eagles striker had not played in the Premier League since May 13, 2023 when he logged 62 minutes against Fulham 

Onuachu, who joined Southampton from Belgian side Genk in 2023, has endured a challenging period in English football. 

The towering forward made his Premier League debut in a 3-0 loss to Brentford, coming on as a substitute for Mohamed Elyounoussi at half-time.

Despite high hopes following his impressive record in Belgium, where he scored prolifically, Onuachu struggled to replicate that form in the Premier League.

He failed to score or assist in 11 appearances, and Southampton were relegated to the Championship at the end of the 2022/23 season.

In search of a fresh start, Onuachu joined Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor on loan for the 2023/24 season. 

There, he rediscovered his scoring touch, netting 17 goals and providing four assists in 25 matches across all competitions.

Although there were rumours of a permanent return to Turkey during the summer transfer window, Onuachu remained with Southampton. 

His long-awaited return to action came in the 74th minute of Saturday's match against Arsenal, replacing Ryan Manning.

Southampton had taken the lead in the 55th minute through Cameron Archer, who fired into the bottom left corner following a pass from Mateus Fernandes. 

Arsenal quickly responded, with Kai Havertz equalizing just three minutes later after latching onto a pass from Bukayo Saka.

The Gunners seized control of the game in the 68th minute when Gabriel Martinelli slotted home a well-placed cross from Saka. 

Saka capped off a brilliant individual performance by scoring Arsenal's third goal in the 88th minute, rifling a right-footed shot into the net from inside the box.

The victory moves Arsenal up to third place in the Premier League standings, trailing only Manchester City and Liverpool, who both secured wins today.

For Onuachu, he will be eager to impress the coach and seize more opportunities to prove himself in the Premier League.

Adeyemi Adewale

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