Arsenal’s last two games didn’t go to plan but they were still significant occasions for Brian Okonwko, with the 19-year-old selected as the third-choice goalkeeper for both first-team fixtures.
With Tommy Setford out injured and Alexei Rojas on international duty with Colombia U20s, Okonkwo (the younger brother of former Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur) travelled with the first-team squad for the Premier League game away to Brighton.
Okonkwo also warmed up with David Raya and 16-year-old Jack Porter ahead of last night’s Carabao Cup game at home to Newcastle.
It wasn’t the first time that Okonkwo has been involved in a first-team environment as he previously had loan spells at non-league clubs Hitchin, Letherhead and Cheshunt.
A tall goalkeeper who commands his penalty area well, Okonkwo signed scholarship terms with Arsenal in 2022 before progressing to a professional contract last summer.
So far this season Okonkwo has featured twice in Premier League 2 as well as making two appearances in the EFL Trophy.
Okonkwo’s recent involvement with the first-team should prove to be very beneficial for his development.
Arsenal U21s, meanwhile, are back in action on Monday night with an away game against Norwich City.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Neto should have got a chance last night
Cup-tied
The dad of the Okonkwo brothers was a GK?
After the pub last night I was broke, soaked in booze, but still sober.
Had 23 shots but only 3 were on target.
Oh ooh daily mail is reporting the premier league player in his 30s accused of race since 2022 is getting closer to prosecution