**UEFA Youth League**
**Arsenal 4 (Dowman 38, 90, Thompson 70, O’Neill 77) Bayern Munich 2 (Gashi 24, Puljic 83)**
After some disappointing performances earlier in the campaign Arsenal U19s finally had something to celebrate in the UEFA Youth League today as they beat Bayern Munich 4-2.
It is unlikely to be enough to secure a place in the knockout stages, but Arsenal showed good spirit with Max Dowman scoring twice, including an incredible late goal, while fellow schoolboy Kyran Thompson also got on the scoresheet and Jack Porter saved a penalty.
Three schoolboys also made their debuts at this level, including 13-year-old Luis Munoz who became the youngest ever player to feature in the competition.
Andre Harriman-Annous was named in the provisional squad but had to withdraw due to injury, with Thompson starting.
Porter and Marli Salmon were back available following their involvement with England at the U17 World Cup.
Schoolboys Munoz, Emerson Nwaneri, Angelinou Pedro and Charlie Phillips were all named in the squad.
**Porter**
**Hamill-Salmon-Clarke-Ogunnaike**
**Ibrahim**
**Dowman-Copley**
**Bailey Joseph-Thompson-O’Neill**
**Subs: King (for Hamill, 65), Munoz (for Thompson, 85), Emerson Nwaneri (for O’Neill, 85), Dudziak (for Ogunnaike, 85), Pedro (for Bailey-Joseph, 90). Not used: C. Phillips, Onyekachukwu, Julienne.**
Having lost their first four matches Arsenal were determined to overcome a Bayern side that have also struggled in this competition at times.
Bayern, backed by a small contingent of fans, created some openings early on.
Ceadach O’Neill then shot over for Arsenal but it was Bayern who took the lead as Ife Ibrahim lost the ball and Yil Gashi took advantage and scored.
Arssnal were leaving too much space down their left, with Magnus Dalpiaz almost taking advantage.
Salmon, who showed his quality throughout the game, then had to make an important intervention.
Arsenal ended the half strongly and levelled through Dowman, with Louie Copley heavily involved in the buildup.
Thompson then hit the crossbar with a header but Bayern were awarded a penalty at the other end.
Porter managed to produce an excellent save to deny David Deiber and keep the game level.
Early in the second half Arsenal had two chances through Copley. Bayern threatened intermittently but Thompson proceeded to put Arsenal in front with his first goal at this level.
There was further good news to come for Arsenal as shortly afterwards O’Neill steered the ball in from close range to make it 3-1.
Bayern got a goal back through Ljubo Puljic and Arsenal made a triple sub which included schoolboys Emerson Nwaneri and Munoz coming on for their U19 debuts, with the latter making history.
Another schoolboy, Angelinou Pedro, then came on to become the latest debutant.
There were some difficulties late on, with last ditch defending required.
However, any fears of Arsenal squandering the lead were alleviated when Dowman scored what was, even by his standards, an unbelievable goal.
The 15-year-old pushed forwards and performed a tremendous pirouette prior to finishing well.
It might not be enough to keep Arsenal in the competition but at least there will be something positive to remember from this Youth League campaign.