By Nurudeen Obalola
Leicester City, with Super Eagles star Wilfred Ndidi impressive, posted a brave performance on Saturday in their English Premier League clash against Arsenal, but the Foxes ultimately fell to a 4-2 defeat at the Emirates Stadium.
The accolades of a packed Premier League afternoon however went to Cole Palmer, who made goals history as Chelsea defeated Brighton 4-2 at Stamford Bridge, while Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi made his first Nottingham Forest league start of the season.
Ndidi produced a brilliant performance, setting up Leicester’s second goal for James Justin in the 63rd minute as they levelled up 2-2 from 2-0 down.
However, the Nigeria international’s performance was slightly blemished by his own goal in stoppage as Arsenal sealed a tough win.
The Gunners had taken a 2-0 lead into half-time with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, and looked to be cruising.
But Justin pulled one back just after the break and Ndidi notched up his fourth assist of the season as Leicester City surprisingly drew level.
Arsenal left it very late to earn the full points, with Ndidi’s own goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time and Kai Havertz’s strike five minutes later taking them up to second in the table, level on 14 points with leaders Manchester City.
England playmaker Palmer struck in the 21st, 28th, 31st and 41st minutes at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea came from behind to beat Brighton 4-2.
The former Manchester City star thus became the first player in Premier League history to score four goals in the first half, as Chelsea rose up to third in the standings, one point adrift of the top two.
At the City Ground, Awoniyi did not make the most of his first league start of the season, pairing in-form Chris Wood in the attack as Forest lost 1-0 to Fulham, their first defeat of the campaign, with Raul Jimenez scoring a 58th minute penalty.
The Nigeria international was hauled off at half-time, while his compatriot Ola Aina played the full game for Forest. Fulham’s Super Eagles stars, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi, also played all 90 minutes.
In other Premier League afternoon kick-offs, Everton secured their first win of the season, coming from behind to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Goodison Park with a Dwight McNeil brace, while Brentford and West Ham drew 1-1 at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Results
Arsenal 4-2 Leicester City
Chelsea 4-2 Brighton
Nottingham Forest 0-1 Fulham
Everton 2-1 Crystal Palace
Brentford 1-1 West Ham
