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.ie (@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……
— (ง•̀_•́)ง (@georgieadam) January 7, 2017
The weakness was being exploited by Preston.
Maitland Niles ain't a RB
— PB (@Arsenal_PB) January 7, 2017
Maitland-Niles isn't ready yet.
— Daniel Arsenal (@whenjontweets) January 7, 2017
Maitland-Niles needs to come off @Arsenal #afc
— Dean (@Deanovostow) January 7, 2017
Whilst the language is uncalled for, it showed the frustration and worry from the Gunners support.
Horgan about to rape Maitland Niles
— JW32 (@ArtetaArtistry) January 7, 2017
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.
@Arsenal Darryl Horgan
— Dinklage (@Dinklage_Afc) January 7, 2017
The rest is just Preston supporters getting excited by one thrilling cameo. And you can’t blame them.
@pnefc looked good! Like a young Damien Duff!
— Ian Cookson (@ipcookson) January 7, 2017
@pnefc – really, really promising debut. And wearing the no.7 shirt too.
— Mick Hargreaves (@Mickyboy1) January 7, 2017
@pnefc Horgan looked lively. Good acquisition
— SimonVarley (@SimonVarley) January 8, 2017
@pnefc he did really well. Looking forward to seeing more of him
— Gregory (@TinTin_57) January 7, 2017
@from_preston @pnefc A great start for him, showed a lot of promise. I look forward to going over in a few weeks to visit
— CallantotheCiaran (@ciarancallan) January 7, 2017
@pnefc 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.
@pnefc https://t.co/GmJH18BaXL
— KillianM2 (@KillianM2) January 8, 2017