Loan Watch: Tavares and Okonkwo make debuts

Eight of our players have been in action for their respective loan clubs over the past week, as they get to grips with life at their new homes.

 

Arthur Okonkwo completed his loan move to Crewe Alexandra on Friday and was straight into the starting XI this weekend as the Railwaymen beat Rochdale 2-1 at the Crown Oil Arena. The shot-stopper played the full 90 minutes on Saturday in what was his first competitive game in senior football.

 

Nuno Tavares also made his debut for his new side this weekend, replacing former Gunner Sead Kolasinac at half-time as Marseille lost 2-0 to AC Milan in a pre-season friendly.

 

Elsewhere, Auston Trusty was also in action, playing the full game as Birmingham City drew 0-0 with Luton Town on the opening day of the Championship season at Kenilworth Road, and in the same division, Harry Clarke played the full match as Stoke City lost 2-0 to Millwall at the Bet365 Arena on Saturday, with a brace from 19-year-old defender Charlie Cresswell handing the visitors all three points.

 

Tyreece John-Jules played 31 minutes on Saturday as Ipswich Town drew 1-1 with Bolton Wanderers in League One. Our young defender replaced Marcus Harness on the hour mark but couldn't make a decisive impact off the bench.

 

Ryan Alebiosu played 59 minutes this weekend as Kilmarnock drew 1-1 with Dundee United at home. The result leaves Killie seventh in the Scottish Premiership after one game.

 

Nikolaj Moller capitalised on his strong pre-season form with another goal for Den Bosch on Friday as they lost 3-2 to Almere on the road.

 

Ovie Ejeheri started in goal for Chelmsford City on Saturday, keeping a clean sheet as the Clarets beat Wealdstone 3-0 at home, courtesy of two goals from Tom Blackwell either side of Simeon Jackson's 53rd-minute penalty.

 

And finally, Omar Rekik played three minutes for Sparta Rotterdam in their 3-1 victory over FC Emmen in a pre-season friendly.