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‘Perfect performance’: Some fans in awe of Arsenal on-loan defender’s display last night

Giuseppe Labellarte

Wed 2 December 2020 8:10, UK

Arsenal academy defender Daniel Ballard is continuing to make a name for himself away from the Emirates Stadium on loan this season.

The 21-year-old, who’s yet to make a competitive senior appearance for the Gunners, joined Blackpool in October, on a loan deal until the end of January.

A combination of international duty with Northern Ireland, a controversial and squad competition has meant Ballard has made just seven appearances so far.

However, he has been impressive when called upon, and following his superb display in the 4-0 FA Cup win at Harrogate, he kept his place in the squad for Tuesday night’s League One meeting with Portsmouth, Daniel Gretarsson having to settle for a place on the bench.

It proved an inspired choice by Neil Critchley as Ballard helped Blackpool keep a clean sheet in a dominant display which produced a 1-0 win against one of the division’s giants, Keshi Anderson’s strike making it seven wins from their last eight games.

The Gunners man registered two tackles, three interceptions and three clearances, as well as taking the most touches of the ball and making the joint-highest number of passes in the game (73) including a key pass ().

There was a scare in the 54th minute when he stayed down following a challenge on John Marquis, but luckily he was fine to continue and played the full 90 minutes.

Here is what some Blackpool fans said on social media after the game:

Brilliant tonight, just getting better and better. Hopefully we can extend you stay till the end of the season. 🍊🍊🍊

— Tangerine 🍊 🍊 🍊 (@tangerinebabe1)

You had us going when you went down, good to see you get up and carry on. Long may it continue and you enjoy your time on the 🍊🧡

— WalshJ56 (@J56Walsh)

Brilliant evening. Top job. Stay in January. Please.

— Oh no, it’s Steve! (@OhNoItsSteve)

Solid as a rock tonight, yourself and Marvin kept the leagues top scorer very quiet all night 💪🏻

— Ross Henderson (@bfc_ross)

Outstanding mate, hopefully you stay past January and help push us into the play offs 🍊

— Danny Bateman (@bateman94)

Perfect performance tonight, absolutely solid🧡🍊

— Play Off Push FC (@Tristan81458868)

Superb tonight mate, absolutely superb! 🍊🍻

— Tolli19 🏒🏑🏉🎾1️⃣9️⃣ (@Tolli_19)