On-loan Arsenal midfielder James Olayinka has only scored good goals for Southend United this season, and Saturday was no exception.
The 20-year-old picked up the ball on the right touchline, playing a pass between two defenders and receiving the ball back after a lay-off. He then opened his body up and fired one into the top corner with his weaker left foot. You can watch it here from 0:20.
📺 Highlights from yesterday’s hard-fought 1-1 draw away to @mansfieldtownfc 👇 pic.twitter.com/UKqMNW8fig
— Southend United (@SUFCRootsHall) December 20, 2020
Olayinka then had to come off with a knock in the 58th minute, and Mansfield levelled the scores after that. Hopefully, the injury is nothing too serious, because the young midfielder is clearly having a positive impact on a struggling Southend United side.
The loanee scored a similarly important goal from the edge of the box against Scunthorpe United a couple of games ago, and he scored a wonderful solo goal in the FA Cup in November.
Goalscoring isn’t Olayinka’s primary attribute as a player, but it’s always good to get a few for your team when you can. Arsenal know that all too well, as they’ve scored zero league goals from central midfield this season and can’t win a game.
