‘Excellent’ Ndidi is fourth Nigerian to score an own goal in EPL history, rated Foxes best outfield player Vs Arsenal

Wilfred Ndidi’s 94th minute own goal opened the door back for an Arsenal win in the Foxes’ 4-2 loss at the Emirates stadium on Saturday.

The Nigerian, playing his 10th game against the Gunners, 198th in the Premier League and 280th overall across all competitions for the cub since he joined in January 2017, had provided the assist James Justin for that drew Leicester City level on 63 minutes after their host had gone 2-0 up in the first half courtesy of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

A Bukayo Saka’s corner found Trossard who played the ball towards the net but it bounces off Ndidi’s thigh and beyond the reach of Mads Hermansen in goal for the Foxes.

Ndidi has now become the fourth Nigerian to score an own goal in the history of the competition after Joseph Yobo (2) and the duo of Danny Shittu (1) and Taribo West (1).

Meanwhile, influential Leicester City newspaper, the Leicester Mercury has rated Ndidi the joint best outfield Foxes stars in action at the Emirates stadium, describing his performance as excellent.

‘He was everywhere. He mopped up in his own box thanks to his awareness and good positioning, while he was City’s calmest player on the ball too, not panicking in possession. Then he grabbed himself another assist with a great ball for Justin’s volley. Excellent,’ wrote the newspaper about the performance of the Super Eagles.

Ndidi was given eight marks out of a possible 10 together with Caleb Okoli, another ‘Nigerian’ who has chosen to play for Italy.

‘Another great showing from the Italian, who looks to be growing in confidence too. He showed good strength when stepping across to close down Saka, while he defended the box superbly, heading away under pressure. His passing still needs a bit of work,’ the newspaper wrote.

Goalkeeper Mads Hermansen was undoubtedly Leicester City’s savior and best player overall and the newspaper acknowledges this.
‘
An inspired display and one that very nearly won City a point. In the second half, he produced at least five excellent saves, including one superb reflex stop to deny Havertz with the game at 2-2, to leave the crowd in disbelief.’