Report – Ogunnaike scores and Copley sent off as Arsenal U19s lose to Olympiacos in Youth League

UEFA Youth League

Arsenal 1 (Ogunnaike 83) Olympiacos 2 (Cortes 20, Filis 37)

By Jeorge Bird @ Meadow Park, Borehamwood

Arsenal U19s suffered a second successive defeat in the UEFA Youth League as they were beaten 2-1 at home by Olympiacos.

The young Gunners struggled in the first half as they conceded two goals after captain Louie Copley received a straight red card.

However, Arsenal produced a spirited second half display and got a goal back through substitute Josh Ogunnaike, who was making his Youth League debut.

It wasn’t enough, though, to prevent Arsenal from being beaten again in this competition.

Max Porter took charge of the team with David Horseman absent due to suspension.

Arsenal named the same squad as against Athletic Bilbao but there were two changes to the starting lineup as Callan Hamill and Kyran Thompson replaced Josh Nichols and Ceadach O’Neill.

Schoolboy Thompson started up front as he made his debut at this level.

Porter

Hamill-Salmon-Clarke-Washington

Ibrahim

Dudziak-Copley

Bailey Joseph-Thompson-Harriman Annous

Subs: Onyekachukwu (for Hamill, 46), Ogunnaike (for Washington, 76), Agustien (for Thompson, 85), Julienne (for Dudziak, 90). Not used: Talbot, Nichols, O’Neill, Hashi, Murisa.

Brando Bailey-Joseph and Thompson had opportunities early in the game.

However, Arsenal’s chances of victory were reduced significantly when Copley received a straight red card for a challenge.

Shortly afterwards Olympiacos took the lead as Ethan Cortes finished well after seizing upon a backpass from Brayden Clarke.

Olympiacos then had the ball in the net again but the flag was raised for offside.

Thompson and Marcell Washington tried their luck for Arsenal. Olympiacos, though, proceeded to make it 2-0 with Christos Fillis scoring after Jack Porter had punched the initial effort away.

Hamill had a shot deflected for a corner in the closing stages of the first half, with Arsenal going into the break 2-0 down.

Arsenal made a change ahead of the second half as Samuel Onyekachukwu made his Youth League debut replacing Hamill.

It was immediately apparent that Arsenal were determined to perform better in the second half and they were more active in front goal, with Dudziak shooting wide before Onyekachukwu’s header was saved.

The front three of Brando Bailey-Joseph, Thompson and Andre Harriman-Annous were startling to provide a significant threat.

Arsenal has a penalty claim for a handball turned down, with Ogunnaike then coming on in place of Washington.

Porter made a good save with Arsenal then responding in excellent fashion as Ogunnaike scored following a good run from Bailey-Joseph in the buildup.

Demiane Agustien then replaced Thompson and immediately played in Ogunnaike, whose attempt was saved.

Theo Julienne replaced Dudziak late on but Arsenal weren’t able to get another goal and now have much work to do if they are to avoid another early exit in this competition.

There were some encouraging moments in the second half, especially from the attacking trio, plus Ogunnaike, who was impressive off the bench. Arsenal also deserve credit for a spirited display with ten men.

Arsenal still have to play Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich at home and they will know that they can’t afford to drop many more points.