The first round of the FA Cup took place over the weekend, and six clubs with Arsenal loanees took part in the competition.
Though six clubs who currently employ Arsenal loanees took part in the FA Cup over the weekend, only one of those loanees was in his team’s starting lineup.
Arthur Okonkwo made the team for Wrexham away to Mansfield, and his side ended up coming out on top with a 2-1 win to progress to the next round. Okonkwo was praised for his performance in the victory.
Another superb performance from our #️⃣3️⃣3️⃣
🔴⚪️ #WxmAFC pic.twitter.com/wFAGZaKGqH
— Wrexham AFC (@Wrexham_AFC) November 4, 2023
Though they didn’t start their respective matches, Omar Rekik and Nathan Butler-Oyedeji also featured heavily in their cup ties, with contrasting results.
Rekik came on in the 19th minute of Wigan’s game away to Exeter City, and he played the remainder of the match, helping his side to a clean sheet in a 2-0 win.
Butler-Oyedeji also came on in the first half, replacing Cheltenham Town’s Daniel Adshead in the 42nd minute. But Cheltenham were thrashed 5-1 by AFC Wimbledon.
Tyreece John-Jules isn’t quite back from injury just yet, but he watched on as Derby County made a late comeback to draw 2-2 with Crewe Alexandra. It’s not impossible he could now be involved in the replay.
There will be no such luck for Mauro Bandeira, Alex Kirk, and Kido Taylor-Hart, none of whom were involved at the weekend.
Bandeira’s Colchester United were eliminated 3-2 by Shrewsbury Town, whilst Kirk and Taylor-Hart’s Bromley FC lost 2-0 to Blackpool.
What’s next?
After the replays, the FA Cup will progress to round two, and the draw has already been made.
Wigan Athletic (Rekik) have drawn either Chester or York City in the next round away from home, depending on the result of their replay.
If Derby County (John-Jules) win their replay against Crewe Alexandra, they’ll face Bristol Rovers at home. Finally, Wrexham (Okonkwo) have drawn Yeovil Town at home.
Arsenal will have other loanees joining the competition in the third round, along with Arsenal themselves.
Luton Town (Albert Sambi Lokonga), Millwall (Brooke Norton-Cuffy), Swansea City (Charlie Patino), Nottingham Forest (Nuno Tavares), and Cardiff City (Runar Alex Runarsson) will feature from the third round onwards.