Arsenal loanee James Olayinka scored a fantastic goal for Southend United on Saturday, as they earned a point against Mansfield Town.

James Olayinka controls the ball during the EFL Sky Bet League 2 match between Southend United and Scunthorpe United at Roots Hall, Southend, England on 12 December 2020. Copyright: Luke Broughton
James Olayinka controls the ball during the EFL Sky Bet League 2 match between Southend United and Scunthorpe United at Roots Hall, Southend, England on 12 December 2020. Copyright: Luke Broughton

On-loan Arsenal midfielder James Olayinka has only scored good goals for Southend United this season, and Saturday was no exception.

The 20-year-old picked up the ball on the right touchline, playing a pass between two defenders and receiving the ball back after a lay-off. He then opened his body up and fired one into the top corner with his weaker left foot. You can watch it here from 0:20.

Olayinka then had to come off with a knock in the 58th minute, and Mansfield levelled the scores after that. Hopefully, the injury is nothing too serious, because the young midfielder is clearly having a positive impact on a struggling Southend United side.

The loanee scored a similarly important goal from the edge of the box against Scunthorpe United a couple of games ago, and he scored a wonderful solo goal in the FA Cup in November.

Goalscoring isn’t Olayinka’s primary attribute as a player, but it’s always good to get a few for your team when you can. Arsenal know that all too well, as they’ve scored zero league goals from central midfield this season and can’t win a game.