After the worldwide break, it was a combined weekend for Nigerian stars within the Premier League, as Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Tolu Arokodare all ended up on the shedding facet with their respective golf equipment.
Whereas Arsenal and Manchester Metropolis secured key victories to renew their title problem, a number of Nigerian internationals endured irritating outings in a weekend crammed with drama and objectives throughout England.
At Craven Cottage, Fulham slipped to a 1-0 residence defeat in opposition to Arsenal, with Iwobi and Bassey each that includes for the Cottagers.
The hosts began brightly, urgent excessive and creating early probabilities via Raul Jimenez and Harry Wilson, however Arsenal’s defensive organisation held agency.
The decisive second got here halfway via the primary half when Leandro Trossard transformed from shut vary after Gabriel Magalhães nodded on a set piece.
Iwobi, making his eighth league look of the season, labored tirelessly in midfield, linking play and driving ahead when in possession. Bassey, additionally on his eighth outing, was introduced on within the 82nd minute to assist Fulham push for an equaliser, however Arsenal held their floor. The end result returned Mikel Arteta’s males to the highest of the desk after they had been briefly displaced by Manchester Metropolis earlier within the day.
On the Etihad Stadium, Erling Haaland as soon as once more proved decisive as Manchester Metropolis beat Everton 2-0. The Norwegian striker endured a quiet first half however got here alive after the break, heading residence Nico O’Reilly’s cross for the opener earlier than including a peaceful end late on. The win was essential for Metropolis, who moved to inside placing distance of Arsenal on the high.
For Tolu Arokodare and Wolverhampton Wanderers, it was one other robust afternoon as they misplaced 2-0 away at Sunderland. The Nigerian ahead was launched into the sport within the 76th minute however struggled for service as Wolves’ winless run prolonged.
Nordi Mukiele’s strike within the sixteenth minute and an unlucky Ladislav Krejčí personal aim sealed the end result, maintaining Wolves rooted to the underside of the desk with mounting stress on coach Vítor Pereira.
Elsewhere, there was late drama on the Vitality Stadium, the place Bournemouth and Crystal Palace performed out an exciting 3-3 draw. Palace ahead Jean-Philippe Mateta scored a sensational hat-trick, together with a penalty deep into stoppage time to salvage some extent for the guests after Ryan Christie thought he had gained it for Bournemouth with an 89th-minute strike.
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In different matches, Burnley continued their resurgence with a 2-0 win over Leeds United, courtesy of objectives from Lesley Ugochukwu and Loum Tchaouna, whereas Danny Welbeck’s brace fired Brighton to a 2-1 residence victory in opposition to Newcastle United.
It was a weekend that reminded followers of the unpredictability of the Premier League. Whereas Arsenal and Manchester Metropolis saved their title ambitions intact, Nigeria’s representatives within the league will likely be desirous to bounce again shortly because the season’s depth begins to rise once more.
