ARSENAL’S Nigerian youngster Arthur Okonkwo made a costly error on his senior debut for the club in a 2-1 defeat to Hibernian on Tuesday night.
The 19-year-old goalkeeper signed a new long-term deal at the club last week and started Arsenal’s first pre-season friendly at Easter Road in preparation for the 2021/2022 campaign.
The Gunners started the match brightly and Eddie Nketiah shot wide when through on goal before the hosts struck.
Okonkwo, born in England to Nigerian parents, went to deal with a tricky backpass from Cedric Soares but completely missed the ball, leaving Martin Boyle an open net to roll the ball into the net in the 21st minute.
Arsenal created a good chance for the equaliser moments later but Reiss Nelson’s goalbound shot hit Nketiah and bounced off to safety.
Okonkwo then atoned for his error, making a brilliant save off Stephen Bradley’s shot.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta made seven changes at the break, including taking off Okonkwo.
One of the substitutes Nicolas Pepe came close to equalising but his free-kick from the edge of the Hibs box was pushed away.
Striker Folarin Balogun, another Nigerian at Arsenal, had a shot saved as the Gunners hunted for parity, and Thomas Partey also hit the post with a superb long-range free-kick.
Despite all the Arsenal pressure, it was Hibs who scored the next goal in the 69th minute as Daniel Mackay headed in from close range to make it 2-0.
Arsenal had a golden opportunity to pull a goal back few minutes later when a penalty was awarded for a foul on Pepe but he failed to convert the spot kick.
The Gunners finally reduced the deficit in the 83rd minute when Emile Smith Rowe fired in from Hector Bellerin’s assist.
Arsenal next face Rangers at Ibrox on Saturday as they continue their preparations for the new Premier League season, which kicks of on 13 August.
