'Incredible': Man City coach stunned by Arsenal starlet during U23 clash

Arthur Okonkwo made a series of “incredible” saves during the Arsenal U23 side’s 2-2 draw with Premier League 2 rivals Manchester City, City coach Brian Barry-Murphy has told the club’s official website.

While Aaron Ramsdale could have hung a hammock between his posts yesterday afternoon – the former Sheffield United man little more than a spectator at times as Arsenal thumped a baffled and beleaguered Tottenham Hotspur in a one-sided north London derby – it’s fair to say Okonkwo had a much busier weekend.

The Gunners held Man City to a thrilling 2-2 draw with their 20-year-old shot-stopper making a number of super saves to deny the likes of Sam Edozie, Jason McAtee and Josh Wilson-Esbrand.

After a difficult pre-season and that mistake against Hibernian, Okonkwo has hit the ground running for the U23s.

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“In the first half we created a lot of chances and their goalkeeper pulled off some really incredible saves,” says Barry-Murphy, who was given the job at City after proving himself an excellent developer of young talent during his time in the Rochdale dugout.

“The second half was a very transitional game – we’d attack, Arsenal would attack, and I think that was down to the opponent as well.

“I don’t think we were probably at our best in terms of our play in the second half but the lads gave absolutely everything and fought right until the end.