Arsenal: Folarin Balogun Shines Through Storm

At least Arsenal’s youngsters are giving us something to cheer about.

Does anyone else forget what it is like to win a game of football? Even the impressive Arsenal Cup form under Mikel Arteta has fallen victim to our dreadful season, with the Gunners succumbing to yet another defeat on Tuesday night.

Exiting the Carabao Cup at the quarter-final stage following a 4-1 defeat to Manchester City, the loss will do little to aid the boss in his quest to rejuvenate what is an extremely demoralised squad.

The signs are looking ominous in preparation for Saturday’s London derby with Chelsea, but there was nevertheless one glimmer of hope on the night, coming in the form of the impressive shift put in by substitute Folarin Balogun.

Although his time on the pitch was limited to a 15-minute cameo, by which time the game was already done and dusted, Balogun certainly left his mark on proceedings. Delightful off-the-ball movement and a constant willingness to run in behind and stretch the City defence, the 19-year-old showed an infectious energy and enthusiasm that his teammates would do well to aspire to.

While Balogun’s efforts will give Arteta something to think about for the weekend, it was the lack of success he had that was particularly noticeable. Perhaps we could attribute it to a lack of confidence, or more likely a lack of quality, but either way it was alarming to see how seldom the Hale End man was picked out by those around him.

Despite finding himself in space on numerous occasions, the midfield invariably settled for the easy option and instead played our trademark sideways pass.

There was no bravery to play the penetrating through ball – note Sead Kolasinac – even when the game was slipping away, the aversion to risk leaving the young striker visibly frustrated. Is it any wonder Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang cannot buy himself a goal at the moment?

Although he is entering into the final six months of his current deal, and rumours persist that he will be on his way at the end of the season, Arteta has insisted that both the player and the club are keen on extending his Arsenal stay.

However, one thing we can say is for certain is that, considering both this performance and other displays in the Europa League, there is no doubt that Balogun has a big future ahead of him.