George Lewis scored his first goal for the Arsenal u23s on Saturday, netting along with Folarin Balogun against Spurs in a 2-2 draw.

20-year-old Arsenal summer signing George Lewis scored his first goal for the u23s on Saturday, playing his first North London derby at youth level.

Lewis made his first friendly appearance for the senior side last month, coming off the bench against MK Dons. However, he’s likely to start the campaign featuring with the academy, and he did so against Spurs this weekend.

The match was a 2-2 draw, with wantaway striker Folarin Balogun scoring his first of the new pre-season campaign. Lewis was also on the scoresheet, exchanging passes with Ben Cottrell before sprinting in behind and sliding a shot into the net with his left foot.

George Lewis’ goal for the u23s against Spurs today #AFC pic.twitter.com/WvTpVozV7P

— Dan Critchlow (@afcDW) September 5, 2020

It was a great way to get started with the Gunners, and a nice way to silence a few critics. As he came from the Norwegian lower leagues on a free transfer with a Rwandan background, some fans very unfairly claimed that was the only reason for the transfer.

I honestly don’t think the ‘Visit Rwanda’ sponsorship is substantial enough to give the country the kind of influence over Arsenal to get them to sign players. It’s a three-year sleeve deal.

Lewis had a trial at Arsenal and did enough to earn a permanent deal, simple as that. Maybe he’ll be a success, maybe not, but let’s at least give him a chance. There’s no better way to start than a goal against Spurs, anyway.