Former Gunner misses penalty but scores anyway as red-hot form continues | OneFootball

Mika Biereth added another goal to his AS Monaco tally despite missing a penalty and Folarin Balogun returned from injury in Saturday’s derby against OGC Nice.

Photo via ASMonaco.com

Former Arsenal academy striker Mika Biereth has been in red-hot form since joining AS Monaco from Sturm Graz in January, but he missed an early opportunity to add to his goalscoring tally in the first five minutes of Saturday’s derby match against OGC Nice.

Hosts Monaco had won an early penalty, but Biereth saw his spot-kick saved, with Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka also denying the chance for a rebound.

Biereth quickly tried to make amends by setting up a Takumi Minamino opportunity, but the former Liverpool man hit the crossbar with his attempt. Things only got worse as Jeremie Boga then gave Nice a first-half lead.

Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Shortly after half-time, Biereth finally had his chance to make up for his miss, firing a shot into the top corner at the near post for 1-1.

Breel Embolo then completed the turnaround in the 73rd minute, scoring for 2-1 with Biereth involved earlier on in the build-up.

There was further good news for Monaco a few minutes later, as Biereth was replaced by another former Gunner in Folarin Balogun, making his first competitive appearance since December 1st and playing just his third competitive game since October 5th.

Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images

Balogun suffered consecutive shoulder injuries to keep him out for much of the last six months, but he scored a hat-trick in a youth friendly over the international break and is now back in first-team action.

Biereth also hit a milestone over the break, making his Denmark senior debut. There had been talk over a potential switch to England for the youngster, but it seems his international allegiances lie elsewhere.