As 10 minutes go, this was pretty productive.
Saturday 7 January 2017 could be the day that everything changed for Daryl Horgan.
Everyone in Ireland is already fully aware of what this man can do. They know that there’s not that big of a gap between the level he was operating at and where he’s asked to shine now but even the best might gulp at the prospect of making a debut against a rampant Arsenal side petrified of losing.
Daryl Horgan just licked his lips.
📸Daryl Horgan in action on his debut for #pnefc tonight against Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/51PR5co8u0
— Preston North End FC (@pnefc) January 7, 2017
In the 81st minute, the Irishman was sprang from the bench in favour of Daniel Johnson and he lit the place up. Defensively, he was sound. He looked sharp and fit. Offensively, he was giving poor Ainsley Maitland-Niles a couple of heart attack moments – so much so that Arsene Wenger eventually reacted by throwing on a fresh pair of legs at right back.
First one down https://t.co/Tx7mlCEnP2
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) January 7, 2017
Arsenal fans on social media are largely a manic but impatient bunch and, when it looked like the former Dundalk man – Preston’s new number 7 – was pushing momentum back at the Gunners and threatening a second for the hosts at Deepdale, the mob began to turn.
Their young cover at right back, Maitland-Niles put in a promising shift himself but he was gallivanting forward without a care in the world and, when Horgan came onto the scene, that was risky business.
The Irish man was introduced in the 81st minute, and opinion started to change.
Please why is this Maitland-Niles even on the pitch in the 1st place… @Arsenal Why???
— Tolu (@Chis3l) January 7, 2017
Maitland-Niles has miles to go before he can be Arsenal's backup option for a back up of right back. He's young though. Has time.
— Arsene Wenger 33179 (@Wenger33179) January 7, 2017
Maitland-Niles out of position…. again…. and Arsenal give up possession on a bad pass…. again……
— rigatoni jones (@versace_summer) January 7, 2017
The weakness was being exploited by Preston.
https://twitter.com/Arsenal_PB/status/817804175438479364
Maitland-Niles isn't ready yet.
— Jon (@whenjontweets) January 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/Deanovostow/status/817801965065424896
Whilst the language is uncalled for, it showed the frustration and worry from the Gunners support.
https://twitter.com/ArtetaArtistry/status/817782271558221824
Tricky.
This Horgan guy looks tricky. Preston are too cheeky. They focus their attack on Niles
— 🦅 (@Bryan_hmm) January 7, 2017
And the scare prompted one Arsenal fan to hijack their man of the match voting, and laud Daryl Horgan instead.
https://twitter.com/Dinklage_Afc/status/817850598611681282
The rest is just Preston supporters getting excited by one thrilling cameo. And you can’t blame them.
https://twitter.com/ipcookson/status/817869934634135552
– really, really promising debut. And wearing the no.7 shirt too.
— Mick Hargreaves (@Mickyboy1) January 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/SimonVarley/status/817889633274982401
he did really well. Looking forward to seeing more of him
— TinTin_57 (@TinTin_57) January 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/ciarancallan/status/817868074091184128
Going to be a good one, looking forward to seeing more of him.
— Stephen Gould (@Pnegouldie) January 8, 2017
They’ve gone and found some of his old highlights now too.
— KM2 TV Archive (@KillianM2) January 8, 2017
