Nigeria’s Josh Maja Hands Fulham Premier League Lifeline At Arsenal

The one-cap Nigerian international ended a run of eight matches without scoring with his sixth goal of the 2020/21 season on Sunday

Super Eagles stars Josh Maja and Ola Aina played crucial roles to help Fulham earn an impressive 1-1 draw against Arsenal in a game week 33 Premier League clash. 

Aina was at the centre of everything good about the visitors’ defences, ensuring they nearly kept a clean sheet against their attack-minded hosts.

But it was Maja who got the Lily Whites the crucial breakthrough.

Josh Maja handed struggling Fulham a badly needed lead over Europa League semifinalists Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

The 22-year-old converted from the penalty spot moments before the hour-mark after Gunners’ defender Gabriel from Arsenal tripped Mario Lemina in the danger area.

The goal was Maja’s third for Fulham and his first since netting a brace on his full debut in his side’s 2-0 win at Everton in February.

The former England youth international had earlier scored three times for French Ligue 1 club Bordeaux before switching to Fulham during the January transfer window.

Maja was replaced by Ruben Loftus-Cheek midway through the second half, with his goal looking likely to earn the Cottagers a massive win at the home of their city rivals.

But Gunners youngster Edward Nketiah poked home a late equaliser for the Mikel Arteta’s men to ensure a share of the points between the two London-based clubs.

The point lifts Fulham to within six points of 17th-place Burnley with only five matches left for Scott Parker to guide the Whites to Premier League safety.