**UEFA Youth League**
**Arsenal 2 (I. Oulad M’hand 24, Copley 27) Monaco 0**
**By Jeorge Bird @ Meadow Park**
Arsenal U19s concluded a frustrating UEFA Youth League campaign in positive fashion as they secured a 2-0 win at home to Monaco.
The young Gunners went into the game knowing that their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages had already faded.
However, they were still determined to produce an impressive display and they did just that, with Ismail Oulad M’hand and Louie Copley scoring in the first half.
Arsenal saw out the game despite pressure from Monaco and will hope that this will be a sign of things to come if they are involved in the competition again next season.
Coach Max Porter was without Ayden Heaven, who could be with the first-team tonight, and Max Dowman, who missed out through suspension.
First year scholar Sam Chapman received his first callup at this level, with Daniel Oyetunde also named on the bench. Romari Forde was a late withdrawal from the squad.
**Setford**
**Julienne-Clarke-Kacurri-Nichols**
**Dudziak**
**Copley-I. Oulad M’hand**
**Kabia-Harriman Annous-Kamara**
**Subs: Ferdinand (for Kamara, 77), Casey (for Kabia, 84), Sweet (for Harriman-Annous, 90). Not used: Nygaard, Chapman, Onyekachukwu, Ibrahim, Oyetunde.**
The opening stages of the game weren’t especially eventful but Arsenal had to be alert defensively, with centre-backs Brayden Clarke and Maldini Kacurri making some important interventions.
Arsenal then created their first chance of the game with the lively Osman Kamara cutting in from the left flank and seeing his shot saved.
Lucas Michal shot wide for Monaco but Arsenal then took the lead with Copley finding Kabia, who used his pace to good effect before locating Ismail Oulad M’hand.
The latter, who was making his final appearance for the U19s, turned superbly prior to finishing adroitly.
Just a few minutes later Arsenal doubled their lead as Copley got his first goal at this level, with Kabia again involved in the buildup.
Another dangerous cross from Kabia led to a chance for Kamara, who saw his effort pushed behind for a corner.
Monaco threatened in the closing stages of the first half but Setford was on hand to make some important stops.
In the second half Monaco increased the pressure on Arsenal, with Setford called into action yet again.
Kabia had a couple of opportunities, with Theo Julienne then shooting over after he was found by Kamara.
Ismail Oulad M’hand then had an effort cleared off the line after being found by Copley.
Arsenal made some changes as the game wore on, with Seb Ferdinand, Dan Casey and Will Sweet all coming on at different intervals.
Porter’s side managed to see out the game with their clean sheet intact, which will be seen as a major positive after some disappointing displays earlier in the campaign.
The threat provided by wingers Kabia and Kamara was problematic for Monaco, while Arsenal defended well as a unit, with Kacurri especially effective. Goalkeeper Setford also looks like a very good prospect.
Lessons will have to be learned from Arsenal’s Youth League campaign but today’s game at least provided some encouragement.