Olayinka tamed as Slavia Prague stun Arsenal at the Emirates

Peter Olayinka’s Slavia Prague forced Arsenal to a 1-1 draw in the Europa League first-leg quarter-final tie played at Emirate Stadium on Thursday.

Olayinka retained his place in the starting eleven as Slavia Prague became the first team to face three British opponents (Leicester, Rangers, and Arsenal) in the knockout rounds of a UEFA European competition since AC Milan in the 2006-07 Champions League.

The once capped Super Eagles forward had a difficult time on the pitch as he failed to test Arsenal’s goalkeeper Bernd Leno before making way.

The lanky forward was replaced by Ibrahim Traore in the 84th minute and the Gunners took the lead almost immediately.

Captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang teed up with Ivorian star Nikolas Pepe who did the rest by firing into the net.

Slavia failed to back down and their effort was rewarded when Tomas Holes steered a header into the back of the net in the 94th minutes.

With the draw, Slavia Prague has now avoided defeat on their last three visits to British soil, beating Leicester and Rangers at home.

The away goal gives the Czech Republic champions ahead of the second leg at home next week.