For much of the second half in the game at home to Swansea City this week it seemed as if Arsenal U23s were heading towards a defeat.
However, despite not performing especially well overall, Freddie Ljungberg’s side managed to secure a point, with substitutes Folarin Balogun and Nathan Tormey both getting on the scoresheet in a 2-2 draw.
Both players have had to be very patient for opportunities to impress at this level this season, but they were named amongst the substitutes against Swansea with Eddie Nketiah and Joe Willock unavailable.
Balogun and Tormey both seized the opportunities they were afforded and will now be looking for further playing time for the second-string before the conclusion of the campaign.
Prior to their introduction Arsenal’s build-up play had not been especially effective, but the pair provided the side with an extra dimension and indicated that they have perhaps been unfortunate not to have been involved more often.
Balogun, a skilful striker, recently signed a professional contract so will certainly be part of the U23 squad next season, where he will most likely compete with Tyreece John-Jules for a starting berth given that Nketiah will be looking to play more senior football whether at Arsenal or out on loan.
For Tormey, however, the situation is a little different as there is a possibility that he could leave in the summer, with his contract set to expire.
The talented winger has been on the periphery of proceedings for much of the campaign, often being left out of the squad entirely even when fully fit, but he certainly possesses the quality required to make an impact at this level.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Nathan Tormey has to play more. We have to give him the chance to prove himself. He has been very unfortunate with injuries, so we can judge on how much of an impact those injuries have had on him.
Loving the potential in Folarin Balogun. Took his goal really well