**UEFA Youth League**
**Arsenal 2 (Ogunnaike 28, Upson 57) Lille 3 (Camara 16, Traore 36 (pen.), Boussadia 43)**
**By Jeorge Bird @ Meadow Park**
Arsenal U19s suffered their first defeat in the UEFA Youth League this season as they lost 3-2 at home to Lille despite goals from defenders Josh Ogunnaike and Elijah Upson.
It was a disjointed performance from Arsenal for the most part, although some of the younger players who were introduced in the second half, such as schoolboys Luis Munoz and Jaden Maghoma, added more energy to proceedings.
There were also Youth League debuts as substitutes for first year scholars Hakeem Abubakar, Theo Odaji-Ukueku and Joshua Sesay, which meant that there were still some positives to take from proceedings.
Overall, though, despite winning their opening game against Napoli, there is still much work for Arsenal to do if they are to finally progress beyond the league phase in this competition.
Mylo Bernard started up front as he made his debut in this competition, with Axel Donczew and Emerson Nwaneri also featuring from the outset. Theo Julienne, who started at right-back, captained the team.
Daniel McCarron and Charlie Purdy were named on the bench as they received their first U19 callups.
**Porter**
**Julienne-Clarke-Upson-Ogunnaike**
**Ibrahim**
**Murisa-Emerson Nwaneri**
**Donczew-Bernard-Harriman Annous**
**Subs: Abubakar (for Murisa, 46), Munoz (for Donczew, 46), Maghoma (for Emerson Nwaneri, 58), Sesay (for Julienne, 76), Odaji-Ukueku (for Bernard, 76). Not used: Talbot, McCarron, Mbala, Purdy.**
Jack Porter made a good save early on but Lille then took the lead with Ismael Camara scoring directly from a corner.
Brayden Clarke then made an impressive clearance before Arsenal managed to pull themselves level as Ogunnaike provided the finishing touch to a neat team move having been found by Nwaneri.
Arsenal looked to double their lead with Ife Ibrahim playing in Andre Harriman-Annous, whose lofted effort was kept out by Lille goalkeeper Zadig Lanssade.
Porter made another notable save but Lille proceeded to restore their lead from the penalty spot following a challenge from Upson.
Although Porter diced the right way, Yeli Traore slotted the ball into the back of the net.
There was further damage to come before the break as Lille added a third goal after pushing downfield, with Saad Boussadia scoring.
Arsenal coach David Horseman was aware that something had to change and he responded by bringing on Munoz and Abubakar ahead of the second half.
The young Gunners immediately looked more of an attacking threat and Bernard found Harriman-Annous, who shot over.
Arsenal gave themselves hope of getting something from the game as Munoz sent in a corner and Upson rose highest to score his first goal for the club.
Maghoma then came on but Arsenal found themselves under pressure at the other end with Porter called into action again.
Sesay and Odaji-Ukueku were introduced, with the latter’s physical presence in midfield helping Arsenal’s cause.
Maghoma had a penalty claim turned down and then Munoz sent the ball in towards Clarke, who shot over.
Arsenal carried more of an attacking threat in the second half and some of the younger players can be pleased with their contributions.
However, the initial tactics, which afforded Lille far too much space, were certainly questionable.
With games against the likes of Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid still to come, Arsenal will have to work hard to ensure that they don’t look back and regret dropping points on this occasion.