Former Gunner scores 2 goals in first 2 games in Ligue 1 | OneFootball

Former Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom has made the ideal start to life in Ligue 1 with a couple of goals in his first two games, despite having a penalty saved.

Photo via Akpom on Instagram

Chuba Akpom completed his first-ever move to French football in the winter transfer window, joining LOSC Lille on a loan from Ajax. The deal reportedly includes an purchase option set at €12.5m (£10.5m), and Lille fought off competition from a couple of other clubs to complete the move.

The onus is now on Akpom to deliver, with Lille fighting for Champions League qualification in Ligue 1 and taking part in the Champions League last-16 next month.

On that note, the former Arsenal striker has made a positive start by scoring in both of his first two league games in France.

Photo via Akpom on Instagram

Akpom scored his first goal as a substitute against Le Havre AC earlier this month, capitalising on a poor pass to intercept and finish the chance confidently. He’ll just be disappointed the 97th-minute goal turned out to be no more than a consolation in a 2-1 defeat.

The 29-year-old then made the Lille starting lineup for the first time away to Stade Rennais FC on Sunday.

Initially it seemed he’d missed his chance to cap his first start with another goal. Lille were awarded a penalty for handball late in the first half, but Akpom saw his spot-kick saved by Rennes’ Brice Samba.

Yet Akpom eventually got his redemption, placing a finish past the goalkeeper in the 86th minute to secure a 2-0 victory for his team.

Photo via Akpom on Instagram

Akpom spent his youth career with Arsenal, eventually breaking into the first-team squad. But after 12 appearances for the Gunners and six loan moves, he decided to move on permanently in 2018.

The striker has since gone on to win the Greek Super League with PAOK, as well as scoring in the cup final as they completed the double.

After returning to Middlesbrough and netting 29 times in an excellent Championship campaign, he joined Ajax. His 22 goals in a season and a half with the Dutch side have now earned him this opportunity in France.