Arsenal Loan Update: Joel Campbell Nets Wonder Goal Against Montpellier

Joel Campbell's third goal (fourth in all competitions) for FC Lorient may well have been his most impressive. Campbell joined Les Merlus back in August on a season-long loan from Arsenal after failing to acquire a work permit that would have allowed him to play in England for the 2011-12 EPL season.

It was the same problem Ryo Miyaichi encountered upon signing for Arsenal back in late 2010.

Coming on as a 57th-minute substitute for Christian Gourcuff's side against league leaders Montpellier, Campbell, the 19-year-old forward, scored a 77th-minute strike to bring the scoreline to 2-0.

He had endured an awful miss in the 67th minute, when former Arsenal player Jeremy Aliadiere touched past his defender on the right wing and barreled toward the end line before picking out Campbell in the six-yard area with a side-footed pass.

Campbell's first-time right-footed shot flew over the bar. As the announcer rightly put it, "He managed to miss when it would have seemed easier to score."

It mitigated the damage somewhat, then, that his goal was such a beauty.

Montpellier responded just seconds later with a goal by Arsenal target Olivier Giroud, who pulled his side to within one goal in the 78th minute.

That was Giroud's 20th league goal this season, easily best among all players. He has 23 goals in all competitions.

Lorient went on to win the game, 2-1—just their second league win since November.

Campbell, a native of Costa Rica, has enjoyed an excellent 2012 thus far, scoring against the defending World and European champions Spain in a February friendly.

And just like that goal against Spain, Campbell's strike to sink Montpellier was of the sumptuous sort.

Rushing onto a lofted ball on the right edge of the penalty area, Campbell employed a deft first touch to wrongfoot his defender and bring himself in on goal.

Still on the edge of the penalty area, Campbell unleashed a furious left-footed drive that curled unstoppably past Montpellier keeper Geoffrey Jourdren.

It was the sort of left-footed wonderment that might cause some Arsenal fans to make a few comparisons with a certain Dutch striker currently on the books at Ashburton Grove.

Campbell's uncanny footwork and ability to change direction at pace were both on display during the match. He enjoys running at defenders from the right and dribbling with his left foot, only to cut to the outside and look to free himself up for a shot.

Think of Arjen Robben's attacking style—the two bear eerie resemblances at times.

But then, if Campbell can produce at least some of the productivity shown by both Dutchmen, Arsenal fans will have frequent reasons to cheer in the coming seasons.