TBR View: Folarin Balogun hits double and Arsenal and Arteta have to act soon

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For Arsenal, it was another weekend of underwhelming football in the Premier League, despite them notching their first win of the campaign.

The Gunners saw off Norwich thanks to a solitary goal from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. But despite the three points being in the bag, it was hardly the performance of a side who are meant to be pushing for Europe.

Mikel Arteta’s men did just about enough for the win, but against stronger opposition they know they could have been punished. Indeed, Norwich remain without a point this season after four games.

On the flipside to the first-team’s struggles, the Gunners’ under-23s enjoyed a stellar display and were rewarded with a 3-1 win over Manchester United.

And among the goalscorers were none other than Folarin Balogun. The young forward netted twice and with the Gunners first XI struggling for goals, he sent a clear message to Arteta.

Balogun deserves his chance at some point

We all know that under-23s football is a far cry from playing in the Premier League. But we are also talking about an Arsenal side who have managed just the single goal all season.

Surely, then, Arteta needs to be considering different options? Aubameyang, despite his tap in yesterday, looks a shadow of the player he once was. Eddie Nketiah is out of the picture, while Alexandre Lacazette is hardly Mr Consistent.

Balogun, then, could well be someone who Arteta turns to. His double yesterday showed what he is all about. Cool and composed when needed and in the right areas, Balogun will fancy his chances at PL level.

Arsenal addressed apparent creativity problems in the summer. The signing of Martin Odegaard, plus tying down Emile Smith Rowe to a new deal ensures they do have options in the final third.

The issue now for the Gunners is finishing chances off. And in Balogun, they have someone who will be chomping at the bit to prove his worth.